Ufni-nell Uniuetaity ffiibravy
Sltliaca, New fork
THE JAMES VERNER SCAIFE
COLLECTION
CIVIL WAR Literature
THE GIFT OF
JAMES VERNER SCAIFE
CLASS OF 1869
1919
. .». — Qows when this volume was taken.
To renew this book copy the call No. and give to
the librarian.
RULES
All Books subject to Recall
All borrowers must regis-
ter in the library to 'borrow
books for home use.
All books must be re-
turned at end of college
year for inspection and
repairs.
Limited books must be r»>
turned within thef our weak
limit and not renewed.
Students must return all
books before leaving town.
Officers should arrange for
the return bf books wanted
during their absence from
town.
Volumes of periodical!
and of pamphlets are hdd
in the library as much ai
possible. For special pur-
poses they are given out for
a limited time.
Borrowers should not uae
their library privileges for
the benefit of other personi.
Books of special value
and gift books, when the
giver wishes it, are not
allowed to circulate.
Readers are asked to fa-
port all cases of booln
marked or mutilated.
Do not deface books by marks and writing.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
3 1924 092 908 536
Cornell University
Library
The original of tliis book is in
tlie Cornell University Library.
There are no known copyright restrictions in
the United States on the use of the text.
http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924092908536
H
^
HISTORIES
SEVERAL REGIMENTS AND BATTALIONS
NORTH CAROLINA
GREAT WAR l86l-'65.
WRITTEN BY MEMBERS OF THE RESPECTIVE COMMANDS.
EDITED BY
WALTER CLARK,
(Lieut. -Colonel Seventieth Regiment N. C. T.)-
VOL.
PUBLISHED BY THE STATE.
RALEIGH:
E. M. UzzELL, Printer and Binder.
1901.
l-L
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
Preface v
Generals from North Carolina, by the Editor xi
Regiments and Brigades, by the Editor xiii
Naval Ofpiobhs from North Carolina, by the Editor xiv
Organization — •
Adjutant-General's Department, by Major A. Gordon 3
Quartermaster-General's Department, by Major A. Gordon— 23
Subsistence Department, by Major A. Gordon 37
Ordnance Department, by Major A. Gordon 39
Pay Department, by Major A. Gordon 45
Board op Claims, by Major A. Gordon 45
Adjutant-General's Department, by Major W, A. Graham 50
Bethel Regiment, by Major E. J. Hale 69
First Regiment, by Colonel H. A. Brown 135
Second Regiment, by Captain Matt. Manly 157
Third Regiment, by Captains John Cowan and J. I. Metis 177
Third Regiment, by Colonel W. L. DeRosset 215
Fourth Regiment, by Colonel E. A. Osborne 229
Fifth Regiment, by Maj. J, C. MacRae and Sergt.-maj. C. M. Busbee, 281
Sixth Regiment, by Captain Neill W. Ray 293
Sixth Regiment, by Major A. C. Avery 337
Seventh Regiment, by Captain J. S. Harris 361
Eighth Regiment, by Drummer H. T. J. Ludwig 387
Ninth Regiment (First Oav.), by General Riifus Barringer 417
Ninth Regiment (First Cav.), by Colonel W. H. Cheek 445, 775
Tenth Regiment (First Art.), Companies B, F, G, H, K (Heavy
Batteries), by Colonel S. B. Pool 489
Tenth Regiment (same Companies), by Lieutenant J. W. Sanders — 499
Tenth Regiment, Company C (Light Battery), by Captain A. B.
Williams 537
Tenth Regiment, Light Batteries A, D, F and I, by Captain J. A.
Ramsay j 551
Eleventh Regiment, by Col. W. J. Martin and Capt. E. R. Outlaw, 583
Twelfth Regiment, by Lieutenant W. A. Montgomery 605
Thirteenth Regiment, by Captain R. S. Williams 653
Thirteenth Regiment, by Adjutant N. S. Smith 689
Thirteenth Regiment, by T. L. Rawley 701
Fourteenth Regiment, by Colonel R. T. Bennett 705
Fifteenth Regiment, by Lieutenant H. C. Kearney 733
Sixteenth Regiment, by Lieutenant B. H. Cathey 751
Sixteenth Regiment, by Captain L. Harrill 771
PREFACE.
More than two thousand years ago Pericles, speaking of his
countrymen who had fallen in a great war, said: "In all time to
come, whenever there shall be speech of great deeds they shall
be had in remembrance." More truly than to the Athenian
soldiery can these memorable words be applied to those North
Carolinians who for four long years carried the fortunes of the
Confederacy upon the points of their bayonets.
With a voting population at the outbreak of the war of less
than 115,000, North Carolina furnished to the Confederate cause,
as appears from Major Gordon's article herein, 127,000 troops,
or more than one-fifth of the men who marched beneath the South-
ern Cross, in addition to the Militia and Home Guards who ren-
dered useful, though short, tours of duty, under State au-
thority. In the first battle of the war, at Bethel, North Caro-
lina was at the front and the first man killed in battle was Wyatt
from Edgecombe. When the great tragedy was closing at Appo-
mattox it was the men of Cox's North Carolina Brigade, of
Grimes' Division, who fired the last volley at the foe. The two
great pivotal battles of the war were Gettysburg in the East and
Chickamauga in the West. Upon them turned the issue of the
great struggle, and in both the men who fell farthest to the front,
nearest to the muzzles of the enemy's guns, were from North
Carolina regiments. This is demonstrated not only by the nar-
ratives of eye-witnesses in these volumes but by the monuments
which the Federal Government has erected on those great battle-
fields to indicate the "high-water mark" to which the tide of
Southern success rose, and from which, after those days of historic
struggle, it painfully and slowly but surely ebbed away.
Not, therefore, in boast, but in sober historic truth, on the
cover of these volumes, has been inscribed the lines which tell
the story of North Carolina's fidelity to duty:
VI Preface. .
"First at Bethel.
Farthest to the Front at Gettysburg and
Chickamatjga.
Last at Appomattox."
It is to tell the plain, unvarnished story of the men at the
front that these sketches have been written by those who partici-
pated therein, and by the authority and at the expense of the
State they are now printed in order to hand down to posterity an
authentic account of what the soldiery of this State suffered and
did in the discharge of their duty. It was inscribed upon the
stones piled above the Spartan dead who died at Thermopylae:
"Stranger, go tell it in Lacedemon that we lie here in obedience
to her command." North Carolina can never forget that in
obedience to her command more than 40,000 of her bravest, best
and brightest young men fill soldiers' graves from "the farthest
north" at Gettysburg to that far Southern shore
" Where the mightiest river runs, mingling with their fame forever."
These dead have not died in vain. The cause of Southern
Independence for which they fell has passed forever from
among men. Not an advocate remains. But as long as valor
shall move the hearts of men, as long as the patient endurance
of hardship, and fatigue, and danger in the discharge of duty
shall touch us, as long as the sacrifice of life for the good of
one's country shall seem noble and grand, so long shall the
memory of the deeds recorded in the plain, sober narratives in
these volumes, written by men whose gallantry is surpassed only
by their modesty, and who were more eager to handle the sword
than to use the pen, be preserved and cherished by their coun-
trymen.
The story of these volumes is briefly told. At the meeting
of the State Confederate Veterans Association at Raleigh, N. C,
in October, 1894, on motion of Judge A. C. Avery, seconded by
F. H. Busbee, Esq., it was
"Resolved, That a history of each regiment and organization
from North Carolina which served in the Confederate Army
Preface. vii
shall be prepared by a member thereof, and that Judge Walter
Clark be requested to select the historians from each command
and to supervise and edit the work; and further, that the Gen-
eral Assembly be memorialized to have these sketches printed at
the expense of the State."
On motion of Captain W. H. Day, Judge A. C. Avery, Gen-
eral Robert F. Hoke and Lieutenant-Colonel Wharton J. Green
were appointed a committee to present this memorial and pro-
cure the passage of the legislation desired.
Already at that date (1894) nearly thirty years had passed
since the close of hostilities and the steady advance of the years
had driven gaps in our ranks wider than those made by the leaden
hail of battle. Suitable men for the work were difficult to find
for many of the regiments, and when found they often pleaded
the press of business, loss of memory and increasing infirmities.
But by persistent effort competent historians were secured for
each regiment, except the 73d, 74th, 76th, 77th and 78th. (which
being Senior Reserves, over forty-five years of age during the war,
had few survivors left), and some of the battalions. As to the
Senior Reserves, the only resource was to utilize some sketches
heretofore written.
But here another difficulty arose. Among those who promised
to write the story of their regiments some died and others procras-
tinated. The latter class was large by reason of the failure of the
General Assemblies of 1896 and 1897 to assume the publication
by the State. This, however, was done by the General Assembly
of 1899, the bill being introduced and eloquently championed
by Hon. H. Clay Wall, member from Richmond county and
historian of the Twenty-third Regiment. Upon the passage of
the act the vacancies caused by death or declination were filled
up and the remaining sketches (with a few exceptions) being in
hand by the spring of 1900, and the others promised, publication
was begun. The printing was, for certain causes, however, so
much delayed that the General Assembly of 1901 passed an act to
expedite the completion of the work, which is now guaranteed to
be finished during the current year.
VIII Preface.
The work of the several historians and of the Editor has of
course been one of love and without pecuniary compensation.
We would that our labors could have been worthier of the sub-
ject and of our noble comrades living and dead. The State
assumed the cost of publication and the work is its property, as
the deeds it commemorates are the noblest inheritance of its
people and their sure gage of fame.
It was thought that it would add vividness to these pen-and-
ink sketches of their deeds to give engravings of as many of the
actors in those stirring times as could be readily obtainable. The
selection of these was left, of course, to the several regimental
historians. No line was drawn at rank. The only restriction
has been that each picture shall have been taken "during the
war or soon thereafter" — the object being to present the men as
they then looked — and that the subject made an honorable record
in the Great War. Major C. L. Patton, a Southerner residing
in New York City and the head of a great publishing house,
kindly and without remuneration undertook the supervision of
the engravings and their proper grouping to go with the histo-
ries of their respective commands. In this way it is believed
that the interest of the work has been greatly enhanced and that
this will grow as the years diminish the number of survivors.
Many of their descendants, perchance, will look back as a patent
of nobility to the men whose names or whose features are pre-
served in these volumes. The cost of the engravings has heen
defrayed by the relatives or friends of the parties. A few maps
have been also added to illustrate the text.
The requirement that the history of each command should be
written by a member thereof was to insure authenticity. But as
by reason of wounds or other temporary absence few men were
every day of the four years present with their commands, and the
lapse of time might cause errors of memory, the several historians
were requested to refresh their memories by conversation and cor-
respondence with their surviving comrades, and they also had
access to the publication by the Government of the invaluable
series of "Official Records of the Union and Confederate
Preface. ix
Armies." In addition, the sketch of each regiment as sent in
was published in the newspaper of largest circulation in the
section in which the regiment was principally raised, and sur-
vivors were requested to note errors and omissions and to com-
municate them to the writer of the regimental history.
This was a heavy tax upon the columns of the press, but with
the patriotism which has always characterized the editors of
North Carolina this service was cheerfully and freely rendered
without charge or compensation. The Confederate Veterans
of North Carolina are greatly indebted for this great service in
rendering onr histories more full and accurate to the Raleigh
News and Observer and Morning Post, the Wilmington Messen-
ger and Star, the Charlotte Observer, the Fayetteville Observer,
the New Bern Journal, the Asheville Citizen, the Wayuesville
Courier, and perhaps others.
During the compilation of these sketches we have, up to this
date, lost no less than nine of the writers of these sketches by
death. Captain John Cowan, TJiird North Carolina; Captain
Neill W. Ray, Sixth North Carolina; Professor H. T. J. Lud-
wig. Eighth North Carolina; General Rufus Barringer, Ninth
North Carolina ; Colonel Stephen D. Pool, Tenth North Caro-
lina; Colonel W. J. Martin, Eleventh North Carolina; Sergeant
H. C. Wall, Twenty-third North Carolina; General Robert B.
Vance, Twenty-ninth North Carolina; Captain M. V. Moore,
Sixth-fifth North Carolina, and there were others who died
before completing their sketches and for whom substitutes were
had.
If errors or omissions of importance are discovered by any of
our comrades as these volumes successively issue from the press,
they are requested to promptly communicate the needed correc-
tion to the historian of the regiment concerned, that proper
amendment maj' be made among the Errata in the last volume.
The most scrupulous and exact accuracy is earnestly desired in
these volumes.
North Carolina has grandly known how to make history. She
has till now always left it to others to write it. Hence she has
X Preface.
never had full justice done the memory of her sons. With
these volumes the reproach is taken away. Herein the historian
will find authentic, reliable material, compiled by the gallant men
who saw the deeds they narrate. From these volumes some yet
unborn Thucydides or Macaulay of the future may draw some
of his material for that history which shall transmit to all time
the story of this most memorable struggle, and the historians
in these pages shall have thus contributed their share in per-
petuating the fame of their State and of their comrades to the
most distant times. Walter Clark.
Raleigh, N. C,
26 April, 1901.
GENERALS FROM NORTH CAROLINA.
By WALTER CLARK, LiEUT.-Coi,. Seventieth N. C. T.
From General Ainsworth, Chief of the Eecord and Pension OflBce at
Washington, in whose custody are the "Archives of the War Depart-
ment of the Confederate States," I have procured the following certified
list of the Generals appointed from North Carolina, with the date of com-
mission of the highest rank attained by each, and graded accordingly to
seniority of commission:
LIEUTENANT-GENERALS.
^^ame. Bate of Rank.
1. Thbophilus H. Holmes 10 October, 1862
2. *Daniel H. Hill (not sent to Senate) 11 July, 1863
MAJOE-GBNEBALS.
1. W. H. C. Whiting (killed in battle) 28 February, 1863
2. BoBEKT Ransom, Jr 26 May, 1863
3. William D. Pender (killed in battle) 27 May, 1863
4. Robert F. Hoke 20 April, 1864
5. tSiEPHEN D. Ramsbue (killed in battle) 1 June, 1864
6. Bryan Grimes 15 February, 1865
brigadier-generals.
1. Richard C. Gatlin 8 July, 1861
2. L. O'B. Branch (killed in battle) 16 November, 1861
3. J. Johnston Pettigrew (killed in battle) 26 February, 1862
4. James G. Martin 15 May, 1862
5. Thomas L. Clingman '---17 May, 1862
6. George B. Anderson (killed in battle) 9 June, 1862
7. Junius Daniel (killed in battle) 1 September, 1862
8. James H. Lane 1 November, 1862
9. John R. Cooke 1 November, 1862
10. Robert B. Vance 1 March, 1863
11. Alfred M. Scales 13 June, 1863
12. Matthew W. Ransom 13 June, 1863
13. Lawrence S. Baker 23 July, 1863
14. William W. Kirkland 29 August, 1863
15. Robert D. Johnston 1 September, 1863
16. Jambs B. Gordon (killed in battle) 28 September, 1863
17. tWiLLiAM R. Coz (temporary) 31 May, 1864
XII Generals from North Carolina.
18. tTHOMAS F. Toon (temporary) 31 May, 1864'
19. tW. Gaston Lewis (temporary) 31 May, 1864
20. RuFus Baheinger IJune, 1864
21. fJoHN D. Bakey (temporary) _. ,3 August, 1864
22. Aechibald C. Godwin (killed in battle) 5 August, 1864
23. William MacRae 4 November, 1864
24. CoLLETT Leventhoepe 3 February, 1865
25. William P. Roeeets 21 February, 1865
This is a full list of the Generals appointed from North Carolina.
There were several other Generals who were born in North Carolina but
who went into the service from other States of which they had become
citizens and which justly claim them, as Generals Braxton Bragg, Cad-
mus M. Wilcox, Jeremy F. Gilmer, Gabriel J. Rains, Felix ZollicOfFer,
Ben. McCullough, and possibly others. On the other hand. General D.
H. Hill, born in South Carolina, had long been a citizen of this State, and
General W. H. C. Whiting, born in Mississippi, and General John R.
Cooke, of Missouri, threw in their lot with us and were appointed from
this State and commanded North Carolina troops the whole war.
General James Conner, of South Carolina, and General Alfred Iverson
for a whilecommanded North Carolina brigades, but they were appointed
from their respective States and do not figure properly in a list of Gen-
rals from North Carolina.
It is worthy of note that one-half of the Major-Generals and one in
four of the Brigadier-Generals from this State were killed in battle or
died of wounds during the war.
The parole lists at Appomattox were signed by Bryan Grimes, Major
General, and by James H. Lane, John R. Cooke, Matt. W. Ransom,
William R. Cox, William MaoRae and William P. Roberts as Brigadier
Generals. " Official Records of Union and Confederate Armies, Vol. 95,
pp. 1S77-1S79." The parole lists at surrender of Johnston's army were
signed by Daniel H. Hill and Robert F. Hoke as Major-Generals, and
Thomas L. Clingman, W. W. Kirkland and Lawrence S. Baker, Briga-
dier-Generals. " Official Records of Union and Confederate Armies, Vol.
*Por some unexplained reason, President Davis did not send in General Hill's appoint-
ment as LieatenantGenerat to the Senate and he was never confirmed as such by'that
body, though at the President's request and by virtue of the President's appointment
he served in that capacity. As LieatenantGeneral he commanded a corps in the Army
of the West at Chicbamauga in 1863. Later he resljmed his rank of Major-Genera!.
fMajor-General Ramseur was a temporary Major-General, and Brigadiei'-Generals Cox,
Toon, Lewis and Barry were temporary Brigadier-Generals. These temporary appoint-
ments were peculiar to the Confederate army. They were made to a command whose
head was absent in prison or wounded, upon whose return It was contemplated that the
temporary appointee would go baoli to his previous rank, though while occupying Iiis
temporary grade he had the same rank and authority as if permanently appointed. In
point of fact, each of such appointees held his rank to the close save General Barry," who
went back to the colonelcy ot the Eighteenth Eegiment, being disabled by wounds' very
soon after his appointment, whereupon General Conner was temporarily placed in com-
mand of the brigade until the return of General Lane, the permanent Brigadier who
had been absent wounded. '
Generals from NoiiTH Carolina. xiii
98, pp. 1061-1066." The other general officers from North Carolina
above named were at the time of the above surrenders either dead, or
■wounded, prisoners or on detached service.
REGIMENTS AND BRIGADES.
North Carolina furnished seventy-eight full regiments and some twenty
battalions to the Confederacy, besides a few scattering companies and a
large number of individuals who served in commands from other States,
of both which latter we have no data recorded in these volumes. The
composition of brigades was so often changed that it was found useless
to record it here. Of the regiments the Tenth, Thirty-sixth and For-
tieth were artillery, and the Ninth, Nineteenth, Forty-flrst, Fifty-ninth,
Sixty-third, Sixty-fifth and Seventy-fifth were cavalry regiments. Most
of the battalions were artillery or cavalry.
The Seventieth, Seventy-first and Seventy-second Regiments and three
battalions were Junior Reserves — boys seventeen years of age, who,
however, did good service at the battles of Southwest Creek and Benton-
ville, and a portion of them at the bombardments of Wilmington and of
Fort Branch on the Roanoke, and in other minor actions. They were
brigaded and were commanded first by Colonel F. S. Armistead, then by
Colonel Nethercutt and later by General L. S. Baker, and composed one
of the brigades of Hoke's Division. They also aided at Belfield, Va., to
repulse the enemy's advance southward.
The Seventy-third, Seventy-fourth, Seventy-sixth, Seventy-seventh
and Seventy-eighth were Senior Reserves, between the ages of forty-five
and fifty, and rendered good service, a portion of them being under fire.
All the above, being regularly in the Confederate service, have a part
in these volumes.
Besides these there were regiments and battalions of Home Guards,
composed of those exempt from Confederate service by reason of being
State officers (as justices of the peace, county officials, etc.), or for other
causes, who rendered service from time to time, for short tours of duty,
under the orders of the Governor. Also, in the early part of 1862 there
was service rendered by Militia ordered out for short periods, in emer-
gency, notably those under- Brigadier-Generals David Clark, Collett
Leventhorpe and Jesse R. Stubbs for the defense of the Roanoke after
the fall of Roanoke Island, and a regiment of Militia shared in the battle
of New Bern. There was also doubtless valuable service rendered by
the Militia in other parts of the State. But from the scope of this work,
and the dearth of material at this late date, no adequate account is
herein given of the services of our Militia and Home Guards, though
at the time their aid was valuable.
XIV Generals from North Carolina.
NAVAL OFFICERS.
The following appear, in the Confederate Archives, as the highest
officers in the Navy, appointed from North Carolina, though there were
many others of lesser rank:
Name, Date of Rank.
James W. Cooke Captain 10 June, 1864.
John N. Maffitt Commander 13 May, 1863.
James Iredell VVaddell First Lieutenant 6 January, 1864.
Captain Cooke commanded the ram "Albemarle" at the capture of
Plymouth, 20 April, 1864, b}' General E. F. Hoke, for which victory
General Hoke and himself, with the officers and men under their com-
mand, were voted thanks by the Confederate Congress. General Hoke's
commission as Major-General bears that date in recognition of his service.
Lieutenant James Iredell Waddell, as commander of the "Shenan-
doah," was the last to bear the Confederate flag, not having heard of the
fall of the Confederacy till August, 1865, when he was in mid Pacific.
Commander J. N. Maffitt' s services were also conspicuous and are well
known.
Walter Clark.
Raleigh, N. C.,
26 April, 1901.
ORGANIZATION OF TROOPS.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT;
QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT;
COMMISSARY DEPARTMENT;
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT.
By major, a. GORDON.
ORGANIZATION OF TROOPS.
THE ADJUTANT-GENERAIv'S OFFICE.
HOW GOVERNOR ELLIS RAISED THE FIRST TEN REGI-
MENTS OP STATE TROOPS FOR THE WAR, AUTHORIZED
BY THE LEGISLATURE — THE VOLUNTEER SERVICE —
ORGANIZATION OF OTHER REGIMENTS DURING THE
WAR — THE STATE'S CARE FOR ITS TROOPS.
By MAJOR A. GORDON,
Staff of Adjutant-General of North Carolina.
The Legislature met May 1, 1861, and authorized Governor
Ellis to raise ten regiments of State Troops for the war before
the State Convention met. An Adjutant-General and other
staff officers were authorized for these troops. Major James G.
Martin, on his arrival at Raleigh, after his resignation from the
United States Army, was appointed by the Governor Adjutant-
General of this corps. Most of the officers of these regiments
were appointed by the Governor prior to this, and several of
them were well advanced in recruiting. The first six regiments
were put in camp and were soon armed, drilled and equipped,
and sent to Virginia. The Fifth and Sixth participated in the
first fight at Manassas. The Seventh and Eighth were not ready
for some time afterwards. When fully recruited and equipped
the Seventh was sent to New Bern, N. C, and the Eighth to
Roanoke Island. The Ninth (First Cavalry) was camped at
Warrenton and everything done to equip it for service as fast as
circumstances would permit. There was considerable trouble in
getting this regiment ready for service. Horses were purchased
in Kentucky, and after getting the horses neither the State nor
4 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Confederate States could furnish saddles and sabres. An agent
of the State was dispatched to New Orleans to purchase saddles
to make up the number wanted ; this done, there still remained a
deficiency in sabres, which could not be purchased. The Second
Cavalry, formerly Spruill's Legion, was camped at Kittrell
Springs, both of these regiments having about sabres enough to
do for one. In this condition of affairs the Governor and Gen-
eral Martin appealed to the officers of the Second Cavalry to give
up enough of their sabres to equip the First Cavalry, which they
did with some reluctance, and with the assurance of the Adju-
tant-General that the State would do everything in its' power to
equip the Second Cavalry as soon as possible. The First Cav-
alry was soon after this ordered to Virginia. Every effort was
made to get the Second ready for service, which was done late in
the fall of the year, and it was then> ordered to New Bern, N. C.
The Tenth Regiment State Troops was artillery. Five com-
panies of this regiment were light batteries — Eamseur's, Reilly's,
Brem's, Moore's and Sutherland's : the first two were sent to
Virginia, the other three remained in the State till later. During
the first year of the war the other companies were assigned to
duty in the forts below Wilmington. These regiments were all
transferred to the Confedei-ate States, and the State had very little
to do with them from that on, except to furnish clothing to the
men and horses to the cavalry regiments and light batteries..
The Adjutant-General's office of North Carolina was practically
done with them on their transfer to the Confederate States.
Now, let ns look at the volunteers and see what had been done
in that line. Colonel John F. Hoke was Adjutant-General
under the old laws of the State, and it was through his office
that the volunteers were organized. The First Volunteers were
organized ahead of any other regiment in the State; the Second,
Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh soon followed. The
first six were sent to Virgina, the Seventh to Hatteras. The
Eighth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth and Fourteenth
Volunteers were organized between the 15th of June and 18th
of July, 1861. All of these regiments, when organized, armed
Organization of Troops. 5
and equipped, were transferred to the Confederate States. Colo-
nel John F. Hoke was elected Colonel of the Thirteenth Vol-
unteers, and he resigned the office of Adjutant- General. The
Governor ordered General Martin to take charge of both offices,
that of the State Troops and Volunteers, until the Legislature
met, when that body elected General Martin Adjutaut-Geueral
of the State, and conferred upon him all the military power
of the State, subject to the orders of the Governor. It con-
solidated under him the Adjutant-General, Quartermaster-Gen-
eral, Commissary, Ordnance and Pay Departments.
The double sets of Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.. State Troops, and 1,
2, 3,. 4, etc.,Volunteers created some confusion, especially at Rich-
mond, where they were unable to keep up the distinction. This
led to an understanding between the two offices that the State
Troops should retain the nun^bers 1 to 10, and the First Volun-
teers to be numbered Eleventh Regiment North Carolina Troops
(First Volunteers), etc. This caused some little dissatisfaction
at first among the volunteers, but it soon passed away. There
was some irregularity about the election of field officers of the
Ninth Volunteers, and the Governor withheld the commissions.
Into this vacant number was placed Spruill's Regiment, the
Nineteenth North Carolina Troops, Second Cavalry.
The next regiment organized was the Twenty-fifth at Ashe-
viile on the 15th of August, the Twenty-sixth at Raleigh on the
27th of the same mopth, and the Twenty-seventh soon followed.
Most of the companies of this regiment were intended originally
for the Ninth Volunteers. The Twenty-eighth Regiment was
organized at High Point, September 21st. We are now in Sep-
tember, 1861, with twenty-eight regiments organized and twelve
or thirteen more in sight at the Adjutant-General's office, and as
yet neither the Convention nor Legislature had made any pro-
vision for clothing the troops; and if it was expected that the
Confederate Government would furnish clothing, it was getting
very plain that the troops would suffer before the winter was
over. In this state of affairs the Legislature directed General
Martin, late in the month of September, to provide winter cloth-
6 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
ing, shoes, etc., for the North Carolina Troops. The time was
very short, and it was no small task, and he went about it with
his usual energy. He organized a clothing manufactory in Ral-
eigh, under Captain Garrett, an efficient officer in that line of
business ; every mill in the State was made to furnish every
yard of cloth possible, and, in addition, Captain A. Myers
was sent through North Carolina, South Carolina, and as far as
Savannah, Ga., purchasing everything that could be made avail-
able for clothing the troops. In addition to what the State fur-
nished on such short notice the ladies of North Carolina, God bless
them, nobly came to the assistance and furnished blankets, quilts,
etc. Many carpets were torn up, lined with cotton, and rqade
into quilts; by the combined efforts of the ladies and State
officers the troops of North Carolina were clothed during the
first winter of the war, if not exactly according to military regu-
lation, in such a manner as to prevent much suffering; and after
this winter the State was in better condition to supply the wants
of her troops. Mention will be made of this subject hereafter,
when we come to the fall of 1862.
We will now take up the organization of the troops. Next
comes the Twenty-ninth at Asheville, September 24th; the Thir-
tieth, October 7th, at Weldon; the Thirty-first soon followed at
Haleigh, and before it was well armed was sent to Roanoke
Island. From a combination of circumstances, which could not
be overcome at the time, this regiment was the worst armed that
the State sent to the front. The State did not have the arms to
furnish, and the Confederate States declined to furnish any more
arms to twelve-months volunteers. Great trouble was experi-
enced in furnishing arms from this time till late in the spring of
1862. The Thirty-second was organized with six companies of
North Carolina infantry, that went to Norfolk, Va., without the
formality of going through the State offices. Additional com-
panies were added by the State to make up the regiment. The
Thirty-third was composed of companies enlisted for the war.
Some of them were intended for the first ten regiments of State
Troops, and being slow in recruiting, were left out; but enough
Organization op Troops. 7
were added to make a full regiment. The Goveruor appointed
the field officers for this regiment. When armed and equipped
it was ordered to Newbern. The Thirty-fourth was organized,
as far as my memory serves, at High Point, October 26th, and
when ready for service was sent to Virginia. The Thirty-fifth
was organized near Raleigh, November 8th, and in January was
sent to New Bern. The Thirty-sixth was made up of artillery
companies. Serving in the forts below Wilmington, they were
all in service several months before being organized into a regi-
ment. The Thirty-seventh was organized at High Point, No-
vember 20th. When the officers recruiting companies for this regi-
ment tendered them to the State they were told that arms could
not be furnished by the State. They then proposed to come to
camp with their private rifles, and, if necessary, go to the field with
them. They brought them tp camp. When they were supplied
with better arms I am unable to state. The Thirty-eighth was
organized at Raleigh, January 17, 1862. When ready it was
sent to Virginia.
The Thirty-ninth was organized at Asheville, and when armed
and equipped went across the mountains to Tennessee (Decem-
ber 1, 1863). The Fortieth was heavy artillery, and thecompa-,
nies forming this regiment were on duty in the forts below Wil-
mington several months before its organization as a regiment
(September, 1862). The Forty-first was a cavalry regiment, and
the companies put in this regiment were also on duty many
months before a regimental organization. This was the last of
the twelve-months volunteers. The dates given in Moore's
" Roster " of the commissions of the field officers of the Thirty-
ninth, Fortieth and Forty-first are not correct. These regiments
were organized soon after the Thirty-eighth, which is given cor-
rectly, and before the Forty-second, which took place April 22,
1862. The State had in January, 1862, forty-one regiments
armed and equipped and transferred to the Confederate States
Army; twelve of these for the war, one for six months, twen-
ty-eight for twelve months, and, in addition, several battalions
and independent companies. The above is what was accom-
8 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-65.
plished between the passage of the ordinance of secession and
the middle of January, 1862. The Forty-second, although
mentioned above, belongs to the troops raised in the spring of
1862, and will be mentioned hereafter with them.
The foregoing narrative is well known to all those who have
kept up with the military history of the State. We will now
take up matters not so well known — official business between
the Executive office and the Adjutant-General's office; also mat-
ters relating to the defense; all of which are so blended to-
gether that the history of the one cannot be given without the
other. This is more particularly the case, as the Adjutant-General
of North CaroHua was for several months in command of the
defenses of the State, while Adjutant-General also.
The State was invaded by a large military force under Gen-
eral Buruside, who captured Roanoke Island on the 8th of Feb-
ruary, 1862. It was very plain to military men that the object
of the Buruside expedition was the capture of New Bern, Golds-
boro and Raleigh, which it was expected to do, while McClel-
lan's army was to do the same at Richmond, Va. Both armies
expected to move at the same time. The Adjutant-General of
North Carolina was very much concerned about the safety of
New Bern, N. C. He sent an officer of his staff to look at the
forts and find out the number of troops available for the defense.
That officer was shown the defenses by Major Robert F. Hoke,
then of the Thirty-third, serving at New Bern, afterwards Major-
General. After inspecting the forts, etc.. Major Hoke remarked
that unless greater energy was displayed in the near future than
in. the past the place could not be successfully defended, all of
which was plainly to be seen. This state of affairs was reported
to the Adjutant-General. He in turn reported the matter to the
Governor. The Legislature, at the fall session of 1861, directed
the Adjutant-General to reorganize the militia of the State, and
appointed him Major-General of the same when called into ser-
vice. General Martin believed that the Legislature expected
something more than a paper organization of the militia, and he
requested the Governor to call out ten thousand State militia to
Organization of Troops. 9
help defend New Bern. This the Governor declined to do, on the
ground that he expected the Confederate Government to defend
the place. Whether he wrote to the Government or not for
re-inforcements cannot be stated positively, but the impression in
the Adjutant-General's office was that he did. No re-inforce-
ments were sent, and on the 14th of March, 1862, New Bern fell
into the hands of Burnside. On the following day General
Martin went to Kinston to confer with General Branch, to find
out the actual condition of his army, and see if the State could
render any assistance. That day the writer went to the Govern-
or's office, the Adjutant-General doing this daily, to receive the
Governor's orders, if any. While there the defenseless condition
of the State was discussed by ex-Governor Bragg, who was pres-
ent, and at this time aide to Governor Claris. Governor Bragg
was in favor of calling out the militia, and somewhat urged the
Governor to do so. This Governor Clark declined to do, but
authorized the Adjutant-General's office to write to the militia
captains of the State "to have one-third of their command in
readiness." This order was somewhat changed in the Adjutant-
General's office — made more effective. The captains were ordered
to detail (draft was probably the word used) one-third of their
men; the men so drafted, or any others, were given permission to
volunteer for the war. This order struck a wave of patriotism
that was floating over the State from east to west, which was
almost dormant for some months on account of the Government
refusing to furnish arms to twelve-months volunteers. Promi-
nent men in every county of the State vied with each other in
raising troops, and many of those not actually going to the field
were as busy helping as those going. Instead of getting one-
third, the writer believes that fully two-thirds of those liable to
service volunteered under this call. In all, twenty-eight regiments
and several battalions promptly volunteered. The Adjutant-
General's office was daily crowded by men offering companies
for service. The Eleventh Eegiment (Bethel) was reorganized
at High Point, April 18th; the Forty-second at Salisbury, April
22d, and at Camp Mangum, near Raleigh, were organized the
10 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Forty-third, Forty-fourth, Forty-fifth, Forty-sixth, Forty-sev-
enth, Forty-eighth, Forty-ninth, Fiftieth, Fifty-second, Fifty-
third, Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth, all between the 21st of April
and 19th of May. The Fifty-first was recruited in the Cape Fear
district and organized at Wilmington. The State had now in
a very short time fifteen splendid regiments organized and ready
for service, except the arms, which will be mentioned later. All
the military departments of the State were taxed to the utmost to
clothe, feed and equip this large number of troops who so promptly
came to the defense of the State, In addition to those mentioned
above twelve or thirteen more regiments were in sight at the
Adjutant-General's office, to be taken care of when fully recruited.
On or about the 15th day of May, 1862, General Martin was
surprised by receiving a letter from General R. E. Lee and a
Brigadier-General's commission in the Confederate States Army,
and informing him that he was expected to take command at
Kinston on or about the first of June, relieving General Rob-
ert Ransom. This commission at first General Martin declined,
and wrote General Lee that he had a commission from the State
of North Carolina, and as the troops to be commanded would
be from the State, he would prefer to serve with the commission
he had. To this General Lee replied that the Government did
not wish to call him out under his State commission, and that
every available man in North Carolina was to be moved to
Virginia except four regiments, which he was to take from camp
at Raleigh to Kinston, and that "he was expected to take com-
mand during the emergency." These were the words used by
the great chieftain. Under the circumstances he accepted, though
not a very agreeable position to be in, the command of a large State,
with only four or five available regiments, and an enemy esti-
mated at upwards of twenty thousand in his front. On or about
the night General Martin received his commission as Brio-adier-
General the Governor of North Carolina received a communi-
cation from the War Department of the Confederate States Army
giving him in full the plan of the campaign to crush McClellan's
army, and asking his co-operation with the North Carolina Troops
Organization of Troops. 11
in camp not yet turned over to the Confederate States. This was
to reconcile him to the moving of all the troops then in the
State to Virginia. The statement above, that the War Depart-
ment would communicate the plans of one of the most famous
battles of the world more than a month before a shot was fired
might, without explanation, seem incredulous. The State of
North Carolina had at this time fifteen regiments, each near a
thousand strong, not yet turned over to the Confederate States.
These troops were raised on the Governor's call for the defense
of the State, as shown in this narrative, and he could have kept
them for that service if so disposed. This was the only body
of reserve troops in the Confederacy, at least no other State had
anything approximating it, and it was very important for Gen-
eral Lee to receive this re-inforcement, hence everything was made
fully known to the Governor of North Carolina. In brief, the
plan, as told me by my chief, was to concentrate everything that
could be taken out of North Carolina and elsewhere on McClel-
lan's army and crush it before Burnside could move from New
Bern. It seemed to be understood that the 1st of July was the
time fixed for the movement of Burnside's army ; this was
given by the Confederate States War Department from
Richmond. The Governor of North Carolina was informed
that the defense of his State would be an easy problem after the
defeat of McClellan's army, and would not be overlooked. The
Governor and Adjutant-General of North Carolina went into
the plan heart and soul, and did everything in their power to
make it a success; they, and they alone, knowing what the Con-
federate Government and'General Lee expected North Carolina
and them to do.
About this time the State received a shipment of arms from
England, landed at Wilmington, exact number not recollected
now, probably two thousand. They were given, to the troops
now waiting for them. The Confederate Government now
came to the assistance of the State in arming the troops
at Camp Mangum, and before the 1st of June every one
of them was armed and ready for service. The troops serving
12 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
in the State were quietly and gradually withdrawn and sent to
Virginia. General Holmes, who was in command, moved to
Petersburg. Branch's Brigade was withdrawn and Daniel's
Brigade also; the latter had a brigade, though not yet a commis-
sioned brigadier. Ransom's command moved on the 2d of June
to Eichmond, and on that date General Martin took command
at Kinston. His brigade consisted of the Seventeenth, Forty-
fourth, Forty-seventh and Fifty-second. The Fiftieth was
ordered to Plymouth and the Fifty-first was still at Wilming-
ton. This left six regiments of infantry in the State. The Sec-
ond Cavalry was on picket duty as close to New Bern as possible.
The three artillery regiments, Tenth, Thirty-sixth and Fortieth,
were on duty in the forts below Wilmington, except the light
batteries of the Tenth, which were in Virginia ; this was the
force in the State on the 2d of June, 1862. The Twenty-ninth
and Thirty-ninth were in the Army of Tennessee; all the rest in
Virginia. Everything-passed off quietly for two or three weeks —
a calm before the desperate struggle. When the struggle com-
menced at Richmond, General Lee was fearful that Burnside
would find out the defenseless condition of North Carolina, and
move forward. Every night he telegraphed to General Martin at
Kinston, "Any movements of the enemy in your front to-day?"
On the night of the sixth day's fighting at Richmond the War De-
partment telegraphed to the Governor of North Carolina, "Any
troops in your State that can be spared?" The reply was, "None
but Martin's Brigade at Kinston; you can move it if wanted." It
was ordered to Virginia that night and left early next morning,
but the seven days' fighting was over before it got there, and it
was ordered to camp near Drury's Bluff. The State had now
left in it two regiments of infantry, the Fiftieth and Fifty-first,
the last ordered from Wilmington to Kinston. One cavalry regi-
ment and three artillery regiments, the Twenty-ninth and Thir-
ty-ninth, as already stated, were in the Army of Tennessee, the
other forty-seven regiments in Virginia — that was North Caro-
lina's contribution to the spring campaign of 1862. And if the
defeat of McClellan's army was not as complete as expected, it
Organization of Troops. 13
certainly, from the foregoing showing, was not the fault of North
Carolina or North Carolinians. From the Governor down to
the humblest private, all nobly did their duty. The Governor
exposed his own Capital to save that of the Confederacy and a
sister State; only one regiment of infantry, one of cavalry, two
or three batteries of artillery between him and an army estimated
about twenty thousand strong. The risk taken in North Caro-
lina at this time was very great. After the battles at Richmond
matters remained quiet for a few weeks, both in Virginia and
North Carolina, and the i^djutant-General of the latter State,
with his brigade, was camped near Drewry's Bluff. In a short
time the enemy commenced raiding in North Carolina, and the
Governor telegraphed to the War Department to send General
Martin and his brigade back to North Carolina. General Lee
ordered General Martin to take command of North Carolina,
but would not let the brigade return. On showing him the con-
dition of the State, he allowed one regiment to return, and directed
General Martin to organize more troops for the defense of the
State. General Martin returned to Raleigh, assumed his duties
as Adjutant-General of the State, and also commanded the troops
on duty.
We will now glance at the organization of more regiments.
The Fifty-sixth was organized at Camp Mangnm, July 31st; the
Fifty-seventh, if memory serves right, was organized at Salis-
bury ; the Fifty-eighth, Sixtieth, Sixty-second, Sixty-fourth
and Sixty-fifth were organized west of the Blue Ridge, and when
armed and equipped went to the Army of Tennessee. McDowell
was the first Colonel of the Sixtieth, not Lieutenant- Colonel, as
put down in Moore's " Roster." The Fifty-ninth and Sixty-third
were cavalry regiments, and were raised and organized in the
East. When ready for service, both of them went to Virginia.
The Sixty-first was organized at Wilmington. All of these regi-
ments volunteered for the defense of the State, as originally
called for by the Governor in the Adjutant-General's order of
March 6th or 7th; also the Sixty-sixth and Thomas' Legion.
The Sixty-sixth was formed out of Nethercutt's and Wright's
14 North Carolina Teoops, 1861-65.
Battalions. Some of the companies of this regiment had been on
duty since 1861, but the regiment was not organized till 1863.
The next regiment is the Sixty-seventh, Whitford's. Captain
Whitford had a company in the Tenth Regiment, which was
raised in the East, and was probably on duty at New Bern when
that place fell into the hands of the enemy. At all events, when
he was in camp at Swift Creek, in June, 1862, he kept a com-
plete system of picket duty all the way to New Bern, and some-
times brought communications from there. These services were
considered so valuable that his company was detached from the
Tenth and another company put in its place, and he was authorized
to raise additional companies, which he continued to do till he
had a large regiment. It was principally recruited near the
enemy's lines.
Here the writer will branch off a little and state that the peo-
ple of the East, under the trying circumstances in which they
were placed, were loyal to the State and Confederate Govern-
ments. Every person that could move from New Bern did so
when it fell into the hands of the enemy. The young men and old
men also from the surrounding country flocked to the nearest
camps, hence the raising of the Sixty-seventh Eegiment. The
Sixty-eighth was raised in the extreme eastern counties of the State
under the same circumstances as the Sixty-seventh. The Sixty-
eighth was not transferred to the Confederate States, but remained
in the State service till the end of the war. Moore's "Roster"
does not give the strength of this regiment. The writer was on
duty in it for a short time in ] 864. It might safely be put down
at one thousand then, perhaps more before the surrender.
It was well known that there were many prominent men in
the East opposed to the war. The so-called Governor Stanly,
when in New Bern, tried to communicate with them, and proba-
bly succeed in getting letters to some of them. He also made
a trip up the Pamlico to see some of the prominent men there.
This was reported by scouts at the time. He did see one or more
prominent men of that section, but he got no aid or encourage-
ment there. He was plainly told that there was no Union senti-
Organization of Troops. 15
ment in the State, and it is more than probable that the plain
truths told him at there interview led him to resign and leave the
State soon afterwards. The writer found out accidentally about
this interview after the war was over.
One prominent man of the East lost his life trying to serve
the Confederacy in a diplomatic way. I allude to the Hon.
James Bryan, of New Bern. In June, 1862, he applied to
the Commanding-General for permission to go North by
flag of truce; it was at a time when no flags were permitted,
consequently Mr. Bryan's application was sent to the War
Department. In a few days an answer was returned that
President Davis wanted to see Mr. Bryan. He was informed of
this, and promptly went to Richmond. He was requested by
President Davis to go to Washington and sound the public men
there upon what terms they would be willing to a separa-
tion. This was all the writer learned of the mission. He went
to Washington, remained there some time, and then returned
to New Bern, which place he was not permitted to leave, and died
there of -yellow fever. This is a case of which nothing was
ever known in the State. There are some doubts in my mind
as to his own sons knowing of the mission he had from the
President.
We will now get back to the Adjutant-General's work proper.
The next regiment is the Sixty-ninth; this was originally Thomas'
Legion, and had been on duty since 1862. Two battalions
belonged to this organization ; both of them were detached in
Virginia, and with the view of getting more efScient service, the
legion organization was discontinued in the winter of 1864 and
the regimental adopted. This regiment was raised in the West,
and remained on duty there till the end. The next and last
regiment of the line is what Moore puts down as the Seventy-
fifth. This was the Seventh Confederate Cavalry, and was
originally recruited by orders from the War Department. Two
companies of this regiment were from Virginia, two from
Georgia, six from North Carolina.
The f ,d officers of this regiment were appointed by the
War Department. At the request of General Martin the Hon.
16 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
E. R. Bridgers, of the Confederate Congress, got a law passed
through that body that the North Carolina Troops in the Sev-
enth Confederate Cavalry should be detached with the view of
organizing a full regiment of North Carolina Troops. The com-
panies from Virginia and Georgia were very weak in men and
horses, and as the regiment was on duty in North Carolina in
the summer and fall of 1863, it was recruited so as to make it
almost, if not altogether, a North Carolina regiment. Besides
above, through the Conscript Bureau of the Confederacy, there
was organized the Seventieth, Seventy-first and Seventy-sec-
ond (Junior Reserves), who were nearly twelve months in
service, and the Seventy-third and Seventy-fourth (Senior Re-
serves), who rendered short tours of service. There were also a
number of battalions, but the writer is not able to give much of
a history of them. They seem to be pretty well accounted for in
Moore's "Roster," except Henry's Battalion. This had six com-
panies in it, and was probably five hundred strong. Lieutenant-
Colonel Kennedy's Battalion was composed of Georgians and
North Carolinians, as Moore states. Kennedy was a. native of
North Carolina, moved to Georgia, raised some of his command
in the State of his adoption, moved with them to North Caro-
lina and raised more. These irregularities the Adjutant-Gen-
eral's office tried to prevent, but sometimes they were in service
before anything was known of the case. Some companies went
to Virginia without reporting to the Adjutant- General's office.
This, if memory serves right, was the case with the First Bat-
talion, and perhaps others.
We will now try to give a history of the clothing of this
large army the State put in service. When the Legislature in
1861, directed General Martin to furnish clothing for the North
Carolina Troops, there were then only about thirty regiments in
service. In less than a year that number was more than doubled
and it became very plain to General Martin that the resources of
the State were not adequate to the demands of the army. la
August, 1862, he laid the matter before Governor Clark and
asked permission to buy supplies abroad and a ship to transport
■Okganization of Troops. 17
them. The Governor's term of service being near an end, he
declined to give any orders, and requested the matter to lie over
till Governor Vance was inaugurated. Soon after Governor
Vance's inauguration General Martin brought the matter to his
attention. The Governor- took it under advisement for a few
days. Soon his attention was called to the subject again, and he
requested General Martin to come to the Executive ofBce that
night and meet two or three prominent men, when the matter
would be discussed on both sides. The Hon. B. F. Moore
was the leader of those present. He took the ground that the
Governor and Adjutant-General had no authority by law to pur-
chase a ship, and that they would both be liable to impeachment
if they did so. General Martin took the ground that the laws
of North Carolina made it his duty to furnish clothing to the
troops, and voted funds to do this; that the resources of the State
were not equal to the demand ; that transport ships were used in
all modern armies, and that they were as necessary as wagons,
mules, etc., of which the law made no mention. The Gov-
ernor reserved his decision that night, but when asked for
it the next day he authorized General Martin to buy the ship
and clothing for the troops, and signed sufficient bonds for this
purpose, which were afterwards placed in the hands of the State
agent sent abroad. The next thing for the Adjutant-General to
do was to get a man of ability and responsibility to be sent as
agent to England. The Governor made no suggestions on this
point. On the recommendation of Major Hogg, Mr. White, of
Warrenton, was selected as State agent to go abroad to purchase
the ship and supplies, and Colonel Thomas Crossan was sent to
command the ship, and well did they perform this and every other
duty intrusted to them by tlie State. In due time the steamer
"Lord Clyde" was purchased, afterwards named "Ad- Vance,"
and arrived safely in Wilmington with supplies for the troops.
Governor Vance got a great deal of credit for this, while General
Martin, who was the real author of it, got practically none. From
this time forward it is certain that the North Carolina Troops
were better clothed than those of any other State. In March,
2
18 North Caeolina Teoops, 1861-65.
1863, the Legislature declared the office of Adjutant-General
vacant for the reason that General Martin had accepted a commis-
sion from the Confederate States. He never drew any salary
from the government for the services he rendered while Adju-
tant-General of North Carolina. After this he resumed com-
mand of a brigade, and the duties of the office were next per-
formed by General D. G. Fowle for a few months. The troops
of the State were practically organized before General Martin
left the office. The only regiments that were raised afterwards
were the Sixty-seventh and Sixty-eighth, and perhaps two or
three battalions besides the Junior and Senior Reserves.
In March, 1863, the writer's connection with the Adjutant-
General's office ceased, and he is not able to give any detailed
history of what took place afterwards. Major Graham, who
was assistant to General Gatlin, can su|)ply this part of the nar-
rative. There is nothing said here of the troops who took the
forts on the coast and the Fayetteville Arsenal early in 1861.
Major Graham Daves, who was Private Secretary to Governor
Ellis, could furnish this. No man in the State is more able or
better qualified to do it. The three reports would give as com-
plete a history as can be secured at this late date.
The three war Governors of the State, Ellis, Clark and Vance,
are dead. The four war Adjutant-Generals are also dead, Hoke,
Martin, Fowle and Gatlin, and with them a great deal of the
war history of the State is lost, but the secretaries of the former
and assistants of the latter are still living, and enough can yet
be collected to make a I'espectable showing. Governor Vance is
known to history as the War Governor of the State. The rec-
ords show that fifteen regiments were organized before Governor
Ellis' death, and there were at least fifteen more in active state
of recruiting. All the other regiments of the North Carolina
Troops were organized during Governor Clark's term, with the
exception of the Sixty-seventh and Sixty-eighth and some two
or three battalions — exclusive of Reserves organized under the
Conscript Bureau.
It was Governor Vance that authorized the purchase of the
supplies from abroad and a ship to transport them. This act
Organization of Troops. 19
endeared him to the people of the State more than any other act of
his life, perhaps more than all the others combined, numerous
and creditable as they were.
Something might be expected here as to the probable .number
of troops sent to the field. The writer, stating facts as known
to him,- does not like to go into the realms of conjecture. Major
Moore has devoted a great deal of time and attention to the
matter and, although his work is unfortunately not complete, it
is the best there is. He furnishes the names for several regi-
ments that had from fifteen to eighteen hundred men. It is
almost certain, from what is known of the rest of the regiments,
that if a correct list could be had the whole line of seventy-three
regiments would average sixteen hundred each ; the battalions,
eight thousand, total. This would give a total of nearly one
hundred and twenty-five thousand men actually in the field dur-
ing the war. Add to this the Senior Reserves, etc., and there is an
aggregate of one hundred and twenty-seven thousand men, a very
moderate estimate, probably. The exact number will never be
known unless an effort is made in the near future to get the
names of those missing before their comrades are dead.
A few words in regard to the records in the Adjutant-Gen-
eral's office. When troops were mustered into service the origi-
nal muster-rolls were deposited in the Adjutant-General's office.
Soon after the first troops were transferred to the Confederate
States the Adjutant-General requested them to send copies of
their muster-rolls to Raleigh. Several of the commanding offi-
cers objected, as involving too much clerical work in time of war.
The matter was dropped by the Adjutant-General, as he had no
power to enforce this request. He, however, requested a copy
of the monthly regimental returns, which most of the command-
ing officers sent.
Here it may be proper to say something in regard to the cloth-
ing furnished by the State. All the clothing was manufactured
by the State and then turned over to the Confederate Quarter-
master at Raleigh, his receipts taken for the same and the issues
made by him. So hard pressed was the Confederacy that on one
20 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
or two occasions during the writer's service in Raleigh it had to
draw on this depot for the troops of other States. The State
presented claims to the Confederate States for the clothing fur-
nished, which were paid, if there were any funds on hand to pay
with.
The Convention appointed a Board of Auditors at Raleigh to
audit the war accounts of the State. The board consisted of the
Hons. B. F. Moore, P. H. Winston and S. F. Phillips, who
audited all the accounts of the diiferent war bureaus of the State.
During General Martin's term of office they never found a mis-
take in a single voucher or disbursement, as everything was
strictly according to law, something extraordinary in time of war.
This they were at all times ready to admit, although not very
ardent admirers of the military policy of the State.
It is conceded by all that the State of North Carolina put
more troops in the field during the war than any other Southern
State. We can go further, and claim that these troops were bet-
ter armed and equipped before leaving the State, and certainly
better clothed during the entire war, than those of any other
State. The State of North Carolina was the only one thait fur-
nished clothing for its troops during the entire war. It was the
only State that engaged in direct trade with England, purchas-
ing its supplies and transporting them with its own ship. In
this respect it was not only ahead of its sister States, but also of
the Quartermaster's Department Confederate States Army, for
that department never owned a transport ship during the whole
of its four years' existence, although its credit abroad was ample
for years. It is probably true that it got some supplies through
the blockade, by the " Sumter " and other vessels, before they were
turned into armed cruisers, but it is here asserted, without fear
of successful contradiction, that the Quartermaster's Department
Confederate States Army never owned or purchased a transport
ship during the war. And, as a matter of history, it was in the
fall of 1863 before any regulations were adopted by the Con-
federate States in regard to getting supplies by blockade-runners.
An order was issued then requiring all vessels to take out and in
Organization of Troops. 21
one-third of their cargoes for the Confederate States. This was
one year after North Carolina was running the blockade in full
blast with its own steamer. That ought to be sufficient proof of
our claims.
Now, if our claims are correct that the State furnished more
troops, and that they were better equipped and clothed than those
of our sister States, there must be some reason for this. All of
these things could not happen by accident. In the opinion of
the writer there were three reasons :
1st. When the Legislature elected General Martin Adjutant-
General of the State it conferred ample power on him and voted
him sufficient money. He had power and money combined,
both very essential in war.
2d. General Martin brought to the discharge of this office a
great deal of energy and mature judgment, which a long expe-
rience in the line and staff of the United States Army gave him,
and he went into it heart and soul, expecting to win, and so well
did he lay the foundations of the business at Raleigh that none
of his successors, so far as known, made the slightest change in
the methods adopted by him.
Third and last reason. The intense loyalty of the people of
the State made the matter much easier for the success of the
cause desired. There was no staying inside the enemy's lines in
North Carolina. These were the causes of North Carolina's
superior military establishment.
Mention has been made here of the loyalty of the people of
the East; it would not be just to the West if omitted. The
great majority of the people of the West were equally as loyal
and true as their brethren of the East. No taint of disloyalty
was attached to any prominent man in the West: this the writer
knows well, as he was on service there the last eight months of
the war. It is, however, true that there was a streak of disloy-
alty in a few of the counties bordering on East Tennessee. This
was not occasioned so much by Unionism as a dislike to be con-
scripted into the army. Several men from that section went across
the lines to Tennessee and joined the notorious Kirk's command.
22 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Three or four companies of North Carolinians were in that com-
mand, which gave a great deal of trouble during the last months
of the war, and in one of these raids killed the Hon. W. W.
Avery, of Burke, while he was at the head of a band of citizens
pursuing the raiders.
The War Department, at the suggestion of General Martin,
who commanded this district at the close of the war, suspended
the conscript law, and there were no more runaways. Major
A. C. Avery was also authorized to raise a regiment for local ser-
vice. Some progress was made in recruiting several companies
for this regiment, but the Major was captured during Stoneman's
raid. The regiment was never organized, and, as far as known,
the Major did not get his colonel's commission. This was the
last effort made to raise troops in the State before the war closed.
The writer has now given all the information that memory
can furnish at this late date; but one secret remains, and that has
been sealed in his breast since July, 1861, and here it is:
On the day after the battle of the first Manassas Governor
Clark got a telegram from the War Department informing him
that there was not powder enough in the Confederacy for another
day's fight, and requesting him to put nitre agents in the field.
This state of affairs was known only to five men in North Caro-
lina, Governor Clark, Colonel Barringer (his aide). General Mar-
tin, Mr. Pulaski Cowper, the Governor's Secretary, and the writer.
Here, as elsewhere, the Adjutant-General's office of North Caro-
lina promptly came to the rescue and appointed several nitre
agents throughout the State. Their names cannot be given at
this late date or any detailed history of their operations, though
they were considerable, and continued until the end of the war.
It was at the request of the Adjutant-General's office of North
Carolina that Colonel Gorgas, Chief of Ordnance Confederate
States Army, took possession of the Salisbury Machine Shop, which
was turned into an arsenal, and also the Cranberry Iron Works
both of which were so serviceable to the Confederacy. It is prob-
able that mistakes were made of omission and commission, but who
could have guided such a revolution without making them? If
MAJOR JOHN DEVEREUX,
Quarter Master General.
Okganization of Troops. 23
we consider the condition of the State and the Confederacy, both
entering the war without a supply of arms and only one day's
supply of powder, as stated above, it is a wonder to those who
topk an active part in the war that so much was accomplished
with such slender means to begin with, and it must remain a
wonder to future generations also. Such was the condition of
affairs at Raleigh in the spring of 1862 that spears had to be
manufactured and put in the hands of several of the new regi-
ments coming to Camp Mangum. No guns of any kind or pat-
tern could be obtained. No doubt some of these spear-heads are
lying around Camp Mangum yet, if not eaten up by rust.
I have now complied with the request made of me, and regret
very much that this history is so meagre, particularly in regard
to the organization of the troops, but I have not a scrap of mili-
tary history of any kind except Moore's " Roster," and cannot give
anything like a full history. It is the best I can do from
memory.
Following this will be given a history of the operations of the
Quartermaster, Commissary, Ordnance and Pay Departments of
the State.
QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL' S DEPARTMENT.
The Quartermaster's Department of the State of North Caro-
lina at the commencement of the war was under the direction of
Colonel L. O'B. Branch, Quartermaster-General, Lieutenant-
Colonel Samuel J. Person, Majors A. M. Lewis, T. B. Venable,
Wm. S. Ashe and John W. Cameron, Captains Abraham My-
ers Robert Rankin and Moses A. Bledsoe.
There are very few records of the early operations of the
department available for this report; in fact, it seems few. have
been published. This is probably owing to Colonel Branch's
resignation from the department to accept command of the
24 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Thirty-third Regiment North Carolina Troops during the sum-
mer of 1861; but that it was ably and well managed, as was every-
thing else that Colonel Branch and the officers associated with
him had anything to do with, is well known to the writer ajid
those who had any business transactions with the department.
The rapid and satisfactory equipment of the troops hurriedly
called into service fully attest this. Most of the officers of the
department followed the example of their chief and took service
in other positions.
On the 20th of September, 1861, the department was reorgan-
ized according to the law passed on that date, and General James
G. Martin was elected chief of all the war departments of the
State. Major John Devereux was appointed Chief Quarter-
master, which position he kept from that date to the end of the
war. It was under his immediate direction and supervision that the
operations of the department were so ably conducted during the
rest of the war. He was assisted by Captain Moses A. Bledsoe,
in charge of transportation and other duties; by Captain Abra-
ham Myers, in purchasing supplies, and Captain I. W. Garrett,
the latter in charge of the clothing manufactured by the State.
After Captain Garrett's resignation Major Dowd was put in
charge of that business. In addition to the above there were
two State agents, Captain W. H. Oliver in the eastern and Captain
•James Sloan in the central part of the State. The names of
these agents do not appear on the " North Carolina Roster," as they
were not staff officers, but both of them performed valuable
services, and should not be lost sight of here. By the law of
September 20th the Governor was required to furnish clothing
to the North Carolina Troops in the field, then about thirty
thousand men. The officers of the department and the resources
of the State were taxed to the utmost to accomplish this before
severe weather, as no preparations had been made for it by the
State and no law on the subject prior to September 20th, probably
supposing that the Confederate States would supply the troops
after they were transferred, but it was getting plainer every day
that the Government was not able to do it. The unpleasant
Organization op Troops. 25
truth must be stated that the Government did not realize what
was ahead of it, and lacked energy to supply the troops from
the beginning. In confirmation of this statement the views
of the Hon. Judah P. Benjamin, Secretary of War, will be
given under the head of Ordnance Department. Everything
that could be made available in the State for clothing the troops
was purchased, and the factories cheerfully furnished every yard
of cloth they could. Major Devereux and his assistants were
quite busy collecting and Captain Garrett equally so manufac-
turing. As fast as the articles were received every effort was
made by all the officers of the department to furnish the troops
with clothing before the severe weather of winter set in. With
the large and valuable help given by the ladies of the State,
who furnished blankets, quilts and carpets to be cut up into the
size of small quilts and lined, and many other articles, the troops
of North Carolina were clothed during the first winter of the
war in such manner as to prevent much suffering.
In the spring and early summer of 1862 the department was
again severely tried to furnish supplies to the large number of
troops who volunteered for the defense, of the State, but with
good management and energy it provided for them all, about
twenty-five new regiments and several battalions, putting at that
date the number of regiments up to sixty-five. In the fall of
1862 it was getting plain that the resources of the State were
not adequate to the demands of such a large army, especially as
the Confederate Government was also drawing supplies from the
State, although the Quartermaster-General of the Confederate
States Army agreed to withdraw his agents and let the State
purchase everything and turn over to the Confederate States
what was not needed for the North Carolina Troops. This
agreement was not kept. It is probable that the necessities of
the Quartermaster's Department compelled it to break the agree-
ment— we will be charitable on this point.
General Martin, in his report to the Governor in November,
1862, says: "Some articles are very difficult to be obtained at
any price', especially blankets and shoes. In regard to shoes.
26 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
there are materials enough in the State to supply all that are
required for our own troops and citizens at reasonable prices,
provided the agents of the Confederate States do not come into
competition with us and speculators can be prevented from tak-
ing them out of the State."
Governor Vance, in his message to the Legislature in Novem-
ber, 1862, says in regard to clothing: "I beg to call your atten-
tion to the great and almost insurmountable difficulties encoun-
tered by the Quartermaster's Department in providing clothing,
shoes and blankets for our troops. During the administration
of my predecessor an arrangement was entered into, according
to a resolution of the General Assembly, with the Quartermas-
ter's Department Confederate States Army, by which North
Carolina was to receive commutation for clothing her troops, and
clothe and shoe them herself. And on our agreeing to sell to
the Confederate States all the surplus supplies that could be pro-
cured in the State, they agreed to withdraw their agents from
our markets and leave the State the whole field without com-
petition. This would have enabled the State to clothe and shoe
her troops comfortably, and it could have furnished to the Confed-
erate States all that was to be had anyhow at reasonable rates;
but it was immediately violated. The country was soon and is
still swarming with agents of the Confederate States, stripping
bare our markets and putting enormous prices upon our agents.
This is especially the case in regard to shoes and leather. The
consequence has been our troops could not get half supplies from
home and nothing at all from the Confederate Government be-
cause of our agreement to furnish them ourselves."
Notwithstanding the difficulties encountered, as above stated,
the operations of the Quartermaster's Department for the twelve
months commencing October 1, 1861, and ending September 30,
1862, were very large and, all things considered, very satis-
factory.
General Martin, in his report to the Governor, says the dis-
bursements for the year are as follows (we omit cents):
Organization or Troops. 27
Clothing, ....
$1,263,042
Camp and garrison equipage,
269,404
Mules, wagons and harness,
20,600
Forage,
15,630
Horses for two regiments of cavalry,
142,459
Wood,
3,114
Miscellaneous, consisting of trans-
portation, buildings, hospital ex-
penses, etc., ....
213,304
Pay of troops.
1,032,427
Bounty, .....
1,572,745
$4,532,725
Showing a total for the department for the year of over four
and a half million dollars.
We will now copy a statement of the issues of clothing, camp
and garrison equipage issued by the Quartermaster's Depart-
ment at Raleigh, N. C, to North Carolina Troops during the
fiscal year ending September 30, 1862:
"Hats 8,918, caps 61,949, coats 27,380, jackets 48,093, over-
coats 22,598, pants 85,779, drawers 85,597, shirts 110,723, pairs
socks 47,155, blankets 28,185, pairs shoes 75,809, pouches 927,.
guard-caps 627, knapsacks 33,471, canteens 25,598, canteen-
straps 9,676, haversacks 30,264, camp kettles 3,156, mess pans
6,703, spiders 597, pots and ovens 1,227, oven lids 161, hatchets
784, axes 1,919, axe handles 1,739, picks 938, pick handles 933,
tents 4,282, officers' tents 531, hospital tents 287, tent flies 452,
pounds nails 6,012, spades and shovels 1,583, drums 215, fifes
82, flags 22, flag-staffs 11, pounds castings 1,734, pairs boots 32,
knapsacks 935, tin cups 340, plates 220, buckets 15, yards wool
cloth, 11,810, yards cotton cloth 2,178, dozen buttons 14,023,
pounds thread 89, yards carpeting 521, frying-pans 25, blank
books 2, bed sacks 220, stoves 3, coffee-pots 21, saws 5, augers
2 broom 1, cap-covers 418, oil-cloth caps 45, yards oil-cloth 20,
28 NoETH Cakolina Teoops, 1861-65.
letters 6,000, figures 4,000, mattresses 9, camp-stools 42, buckets
38, bedsteads 112."
All of these articles were manufactured in the State, and showed
plainly that the department was quite busy and energetic. It is
here due to the memory of three able, faithful and efficient offi-
cers, who had charge of the business under their chief, to state
that most of the purchases and payments for these supplies were
made by Major John Devereux, the articles of clothing were
manufactured by Captain Garrett, except shoes, which were made
in different establishments and issued to the troops by Major
Pierce.
This brings us down to the operations of the department in
getting supplies through the blockade. To General Martin be-
longs the credit of engaging in this business. He tried to get
Governor Clark's consent to it, but on account of his official
term expiring soon he left the matter to his successor. Soon
after Governor Vance's inauguration General Martin explained
to him everything about the supply of clothing, etc., and asked
his approval of the scheme to purchase a ship in England and
get supplies from there. The Governor took the matter under
advisement. His attention was called to the matter again a few
days later. On that occasion he asked General Martin to call
at the Executive office that night and he would call in two or
three lawyers, as he would like to have both sides of the question
discussed. The meeting that night was quite warm, that is,
the discussion of the law between the Hon. B. F. Moore, the
spokesman of those present, on one side, and General Martin on
the other; the law and everything connected with the mili-
tary supplies being discussed. The Hon. B. F. Moore took
strong grounds against the State entering the blockade business,
and finally told Governor Vance and General Martin that if
they engaged in the business they would both be liable to im-
peachment. General Martin took the ground that the laws of
the State made it his duty to supply clothing to the troops in the
field; that a large sum of money was appropriated for the pur-
Organiza.I'ion of Troops. 29
pose without any restriction as to where purchases were to be made;
that the supplies of the State were not adequate; that the Con-
federate States were paying the State large sums of money for
clothing; that the Confederate notes could be turned into cot-
ton and with cotton bonds buy the ship and clothing without
any additional expense to the State, the cotton bonds and cot-
ton itself used simply as bills of exchange, where neither the
State notes nor Confederate currency would be available. As to
the purchase of a ship, General Martin took the ground that he
had as much right to do that as to purchase many other articles
not mentioned in the law, it being well known that transport ships
are a part of the equipment of all modern armies. The Governor
reserved his decision that night, but next morning, when called
upon for it, decided to support General Martin in his effort to
sustain the army. The Governor at no time expressed any
opinion of the law until his final approval came, although he
had called in able and influentiallawyers to hear their opinions.
The facts of the case are that the law did not authorize or prohibit
blockade-running. The manner of getting the clothing was left
to the discretion of the Quartermaster-General, subject to the
approval of the Governor. General Martin did not want to
violate the law — no man was more particular in that respect —
and if it had looked like a violation Governor Vance would
not have approved it. This was the only law on which
there was any difference of opinion during the war. Governor
Vance approved General Martin's construction of it, the Legis-
lature approved the Governor's action, and that ended the legal
question raised. Governor Vance received a great deal of credit
for the blockade-running, but it is safe to say that had it not
been for the energetic manner in which General Martin advo-
cated this measure it would not have been commenced, although
he got very little credit for it, except from the few who were
aware of the facts. It is true that Governor Vance deserves
credit for his approval of the liberal construction of the law
which authorized it, after hearing the opinions of able and inilu-
eutial lawyers against it. In addition to their opinions there was
30 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
the influence of an able and unscrupulous politician at Raleigh,
who at this time tried to throw every obstacle in the way of the
success of the Confederate cause. He thought he could control
Vance, as he had been influential in nominating and electing
him. Vance, however, sided with the army. This was the first
step in getting away from that influence.
The above is the inside history of what took place before the
Governor's approval of the blockade business. After the Gov-
ernor's approval of the scheme, General Martin appointed Mr;
John White, of Warrenton, N. C, State agent to go abroad, and
also Colonel Thomas N., Crossan, formerly of the United States
Navy, both of whom were to act together for the purchase of
the ship. The Governor promptly signed the bonds for the pur-
chase of the ship and supplies, and they were placed with Major
John Devereux, who, as chief disbursing officer of the Quarter-
master's Department, had charge of the matter from that time
forward. In due time they' were turned over to Mr. White,
when ready to go abroad. It is proper here to state that Mr.
White and Colonel Crossan purchased a first-rate steamer, the
"Lord Clyde," a splendid vessel in every respect. All the busi-
ness intrusted to Mr. White and Colonel Crossan was ably and
satisfactorily done ; no better agents could have been selected.
Colonel Crossan made two or more trips in charge of the "Ad-
Vance" and then retired. The '"Ad-Vance" made seven or eight
trips to Wilmington and took in a large amount of military
supplies for the North Carolina Troops and for the Confederacy
also.
The writer has tried to get the exact amount of army supplies
imported by the State, but regrets to say that he has not been
able to do so, although kindly assisted by Mrs. Hinsdale, who
placed her father's papers (Major John Devereux), or rather
"what was left of them not captured by the Yankees," at his
disposal. The papers wanted could not be found. The fol-
lowing report from Major Devereux to the Governor is pub-
lished :
Organization of Troops.
31
STATEMENT OF BLOCKADE OPERATIONS.
Sum raised on cotton bonds
Advanced by parties in England
Disbursements now due in Wilmington
Sum raised on rosin bonds
Cash balance
Sterling —
One-half steamer "Ad- Vance" on hand — original
cost £35,000, less 10 per cent, tear and wear __
One-fourth interest in three steamers — ■
3,788,066 pounds cotton at 5d.
Sale of 4,080 bales cotton at £50
£.
s.
119,700
98,969
1
250
47,500
47,248
18
£313,668
15,750
15,000
78,918
204,000
£313,668
The report says: "Orders have been sent out by the Governor
for scythe-blades, railroad findings and other articles not charged
in the above account, no bill of them having been received. Mr.
White's salary as commissioner has not yet been settled, and is
not charged. Owing to the difficulties of communication, Colonel
MacRae has not settled his account for the transaction by which
rosin bonds were issued. It is believed that £6,000 would be
the utmost extent of any further charge to be made. There is a
large amount of goods, consisting of cloth, blankets, shoes, cot-
ton and wool cards, card machines and factory findings now on
the way and in the islands, of which no account has been taken.
The goods are paid for, and, when received, will much increase
the above balance. The purchase money of the "Ad- Vance" was
partly paid in bonds, as entered above, and partly in cotton. The
cotton is added to the stock on hand."
Major Devereux's report above shows plainly that the fears
of the Hon. B. F. Moore and others that the State might
sustain loss were groundless. The cotton paid for the ship and
supplies without drawing on the State Treasury. At all events,
what was not paid at the date of the above report was paid after-
wards.
32 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Mr. White's report, which accompanied the Governor's mes-
sage in May, 1864, was not published, and cannot be given here.
The writer asked Captain William H. Oliver, who took an
"active part in purchasing supplies for the blockade-running, for
a statement. He says :
"Early in 1863 I was commissioned by Governor Z. B. Vance
an agent for the State of North Carolina to purchase cotton for
blockade-running purposes. The instruction which I received
through Major John Devereux, Chief Quartermaster for North
Carolina, was to buy every bale of cotton that I could purchase,
and to pay a stipulated price of twenty cents per pounds. I went
at once to the sections nearest the Federal lines, so as to get all
the cotton out of the reach of the Federal troops if a raid should
be made by them.
" In a short time I purchased about seven thousand bales and
paid for the same about seven hundred thousand dollars. On
account of the scarcity of railroad accommodation it was a tedious
matter to get the cotton moved.
"Arrangements had been made to ship the cotton as fast as
possible by running it through the blockade at Wilmington, N. C.
A large portion of the cotton was taken to Graham, N. C, it being
unsafe to leave it in the eastern part of the State.
"Mr. John White, of Warrenton, N. C, was appointed agent
for the sale of it in England. Mr. White sailed from Charles-
ton, S. C.,on the steamer "Leopard" on the 15th day of Novem-
ber, 1862. A number of cargoes were shipped to him, and from
a report of his to Governor Vance it will be seen that he pur-
chased with the proceeds of cotton and North Carolina cotton
bonds —
"The steamship "Lord Clyde," afterwards known as the "Ad-
Vance," at a cost of £35,000— $175,000.
150,115 yards gray cloth 6-4 wide.
11,023 " " " 3-4 "
28,582 " " flannel 6-4 "
83,173 " " " ^3-4 "
Organization op Troops. 33
2,978 yards brown canvas padding.
25,887 pairs gray blankets.
37,692 " woolen socks.
26,096 " army shoes.
530 " cavalry boots.
1,956 Angola shirts.
7,872 yards gray flannel shirts.
1,006 cloth overcoats.
1,002 " jackets.
1,010 pairs cloth trousers.
Quantity of sole and harness leather.
20,000 pairs army shoes.
10,000 " gray blankets.
1,920 " flannel shirts.
5,800 yards army cloth 6-4.
10,000 " " "
7,000 pairs cotton and wool cards.
5 machines for making cotton cards, with wire
sufficient to keep them running twelve months.
"A large quantity of the cotton was delivered by order of Gov-
ernor Vance to Messrs. John Newland & Sons, at Saxapahaw
Factory, to be manufactured into cloth and yarn. The cloth
was delivered to the Quartermaster for the use of the army and
the yarn was exchanged in Virginia for leather, which was made
into shoes. The card machines were put up in Mr. William H.
Willard's factory, and a large number of pairs of cards were
made and distributed by me all over the State.
"At the close of the war about two hundred bales of the cotton
were at Graham, N. C, and it was taken by Colonel D. Heaton
of the United States Treasury Department.
" Very respectfully,
"William H. Oliver."
We give Captain Oliver's statemeut with the full knowledge
and understanding that it is by no means complete. It embraces
only a portion of the articles received.
3
34 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
The Governor, in his message to the Legislature in Novem-
ber, 1863, says: "The enterprise of running th< lockade and
importing army supplies from abroad has proven a most com-
plete success. You will see from the report that large quantities
of clothing, leather and shoes, lubricating oils, factory findings,
sheet-iron and tin, arms and ammunition, medicines, dye-stuifs,
blankets, cotton bagging and rope, spirits, coffee, etc., have been
safely brought, besides considerable freight for the Confederacy.
Two thousand and ten bales of cotton have been sent to Liver-
pool, the proceeds of which were deposited to the credit of the
State, less the amount of the expenses of the vessel. With what
we have imported and the purchases in our home markets I think
I can safely say that the North Carolina Troops will be com-
fortably clothed to January, 1865."
It will be seen that the Governor mentions several articles not
in Captain Oliver's -statement, such as "arms, ammunition, medi-
cal supplies," etc. In fact, neither of the reports are complete,
for the State continued to bring in supplies for twelve months
after the date of the Governor's message.
The most complete and trustworthy report we have on the
subject is Governor Vance's address before the Association of the
Maryland Line, delivered in Baltimore, February 23, 1885. He
said :
"By the general industry and thrift of our people, and by the
use of a number of blockade-running steamers, carrying out cot-
ton and bringing in supplies from Europe, I had collected and
distributed from time to time, as near as can be gathered from
the records of the Quartermaster's Department, the following
stores: Large quantities of machinery supplies, 60,000 pairs of
hand cards, 10,000 grain scythes, 200 barrels bluestone for the
wheat growers, leather and shoes for 250,000 pairs, 50,000 blan-
kets, gray-wooled cloth for at least 250,000 suits of uniforms,
12,000 overcoats (ready-made), 2,000 best Enfield rifles (with
100 rounds of fixed ammunition), 100,000 pounds of bacon,
600 sacks of coffee for hospital use, $50,000 worth of medicines
at gold prices, large quantities of lubricating oils, besides minor
Organization of Troops. 35
supplies of various isinds for the charitable inatitutions of the
State. Not only was the supply of shoes, blankets and clothing
more than sufficient for the supply of the North Carolina Troops,
but large quantities were turned over to the Confederate Grov-
ernment for the troops of other States. In the winter succeed-
ing the battle of Chicamauga I sent to General Longstreet's
Corps 14,000 suits of clothing complete. At the surrender of
General Johnston the State had on hand, ready-made and in
cloth, 92,000 suits of uniforms, with great stores of blankets,
leather, etc. To make good the warrants on which these pur-
chases had been made abroad the State purchased and had on
hand in trust for the holders 11,000 bales of cotton and 100,000
barrels of rosin. The cotton was partly destroyed before the
war closed, the remainder, amounting to several thousand bales,
was captured, after peace was declared, by certain officers of the
Federal army."
This shows that the operations of the blockade-running were a
complete success, and fully justified the judgment and expecta-
tions of Governor Vance and General Martin when they engaged
in it.
We will now drop the blockade-running and look at the
issues to the troops. General Gatlin, in his report to the Gov-
ernor, under date of May, 1864, says:
" quartermaster's DEPART.MENT.
" This department has furnished clothing, camp and garrison
equipage, pay, bounty and transportation for the troops and
paid other miscellaneous accounts. The disbursements for the
eighteen months ending the 31st of March, 1864, are as follows
(we omit cents) :
Clothing, camp and garrison equipage, $ 6,862,043
Mules, wagons and harness, . . 14,147
Forage, 5,593 -
Horses for two regiments of cavalry and
artillery, ' 147,801
36 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Wood, $ 6,655
Miscellaneous, 204,143
Pay of troops, .... 432,071
Bounty, 1,669,974
Cotton, 2,150,998
Advances to officers, . . . 186,803
$11,680,128
"The Confederate States have paid for clothing since the 1st
of January, r863, the sum of $6,008,373.38, and there is still
due for clothing turned over in the first quarter of the present
year $1,247,236."
It seems from General Gatlin's report that the State was issu-
ing clothing to the army at the rate of nearly five million dollars
a year. Notwithstanding all that the State of North Carolina
did for the army, it is well known to those who were in the army
that it was often greatly in want of shoes and clothing, and it is
sad to contemplate what would have been the condition of the
gallant Army of Northern Virginia without the great help which
North Carolina gave it, ia which most of her troops were. It
is well known that the Army of the West was still harder pressed
for supplies. It had no State to do for it what North Carolina
did for Lee's army, and it appears from Governor Vance's speech
at Baltimore that the State had to dispatch "14,000 suits of
clothing complete" to General Longstreet's Corps of that army,
after the battle of Chicamauga. And after furnishing its own
troops and other Confederate troops when necessary, the State
had on hand at the surrender "92,000 suits of uniforms and
great stores of blankets and leather." The reports fully show
that the Quartermaster's Department of the State of North
Carolina was ably managed from the beginning to the end. In
this respect it was a long way ahead of the Confederacy, which
was so sorely pressed all the time.
We have no later reports of what was done the last year of
the war, but as the State of North Carolina had an abundant
supply of everything, and the Confederacy had not, it is reason-
able to suppose the issues were very large.
Organization of Troops. 37
SUBSISTENCE DEPARTMENT.
The Subsistence Department of the State of North Carolina
at the comoaencement of the war was under the direction of
Colonel William Johnston, Major D. G. Fowle, Captains Wm. W.
Morrison, David Schenck, Augustus S. Merrimon and John
Devereux. Colonel Johnston was a man of energy, with broad
views and enlarged ideas. One of the first things he did after
it was plain that the war was coming was to send an agent to
Louisville, Ky., to purchase a large amount of supplies at that
place, which he had hurriedly shipped to Chattanooga before an
embargo was placed on the railroads. By so doing he got a large
lot of provisions from an exposed point and saved the resources
of the State. Had this example been taken by the Confederate
States Commissary the supplies of the Confederacy would not
have been so scant. On the 1st of September, 1861, Colonel
Johnston resigned to take charge of the railroad of which he was
president, and all the other officers of the department accepted
other duties.
After the reorganization of the department.in September, 1861,
Major T. D. Hogg was Chief Commissary, and continued in
charge to the end of the war. The writer tried to get reports
of the operations of the department from the officers still living,
but failed, except one letter from Major Hogg, in which he says :
"Judge Clark asked me to write out the Commissary Depart-
ment, and I told him I did not know there was anything to write.
Also, that you told me when we first met that General Martin,
when he asked for anything in my department, would expect me
to have it. I made up my mind that if .the. people would part
with their commissary stores and take paper money for payment
General Martin should have what he called for. The conse-
quence was that my supplies grew during the whole war, and at
the close of it I was feeding about half of Lee's army. Major,
38 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Carringtou would come to me begging, and I told him to get
Yaoce's order and he should have anything I had."
This is not very long, but it is a very important historical .fact
that near the end of the war the North Carolina Commissary
was, feeding about half of Lee's army.
General Martin's report in November, 1862, says:
SUBSISTENCE DEPARTMENT.
The disbursements for the year are, . $586,767
Sales to Confederate States, . |1 57,412
Value of stores on hand, . . 24,395
181,807
Actual expenses of the department, $404,960
General Gatlin's report gives
The actual expenses of the department, $1,080,958
Sales to Confederate States, . 301,197
Stores on hand, . . . 410,070
711,267
Actual expenses of the department, . $369,691
This is the last published report in May, 1864. As the de-
partment had $410,070 in supplies on hand and still adding from
March 31, 1864, till the end of the war, it was able to furnish
considerable to Lee's army.
No department of the Confederate States Government was so
severely criticised as the Commissary. In the army and out of
it, in the newspapers, particularly the Richmond Examiner,
and even in the halls of Congress, its inefBciency was forcibly
pointed out. The soldiers of the Confederacy had for about a year
only one-third of a pound of meat ration issued to them. Many
believed it was due to want of energy of the department. Presi-
dent Davis finally made a change, but, alas, so late that no
human being could overcome the disadvantages which surrounded
the Confederacy. Therefore, those who are familiar with war
events will not be in the least surprised to learn that the better
managed Commissary of North Carolina was, before the end of
the war, " feeding about half of Lee's army."
Organization of Troops. 39
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT.
A writer in the Enoydopcedia Britanica, under the head of
North Carolina, says: "At the breaking out of the war between
the States in 1861 North Carolina, strongly averse to secession,
sought by every means to avert the conflict, remaining unmoved
after all the surrounding States had seceded, and was forced into
the struggle almost last of the Southern States, and when there
remained only the alternative of a choice of sides. Being near
the seat of war, and yet for the most part outside of it, the State
contributed more largely to the commissary supplies of the Con-
federacy, and also sent into the field a larger number of troops
and lost more men in battle than any other Slate, her soldiers
having a conspicuous share in all the great battles from Bull
Run to Petersburg." There is the case clearly, correctly and
concisely stated. The State so averse to war had to choose sides,
and when President Lincoln called for troops Governor Ellis
replied, "I can be no party to this wicked violation of the laws
of this country, and especially to this war which is being waged
upon a free and independent people." Governor Ellis seeing
plainly the dangers that threatened the State, a few days later
ordered the capture of the Fayetteville Arsenal and the forts on
the coast. With the heaven-born inspiration of a great com-
mander, he did not delay to give the enemy time to capture or
destroy the arsenal, as was done in the two great Southern States
of Virginia and Missouri. In the former the arsenal at Harper's
Ferry was destroyed by United States soldiers and in the latter it
was captured and the guns turned against the brave Missourians.
For the following list of arms captured at Fayetteville the writer
is indebted to his friend, Mr. Cowper, who obtained the informa-
tion from Colonel Pemberton and Major Hale :
[From the Observer, Thursday, April 25, 1861.1
"The arsenal was surrendered on Monday, April 22, 1861,
at 3 P. M.
40 ISToETH Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
"The arsenal buildings and machinery have probably cost the
United States more than a quarter million dollars. The ma-
chinery especially is very perfect for the manufacture of every
implement of war. There are four brass six-pounders and two
brass twelve-pound howitzers, forming a complete "battery,"
in military phrase, with all the horse trappings, and two old
make iron six-pounders, thirty-seven thousand muskets and rifles,
with other military stores and a large quantity of powder. Lieu-
tenant John A. Pemberton of the Fayetteville Light Infantry
is temporarily in charge of the arsenal."
We beg leave to branch off a little and here state that Colonel
Pemberton has now in his possession the first cannon-ball shot
from the Federal side at Bethel on North Carolina Troops, which
came near killing General D. H. Hill.
The capture of the Fayetteville Arsenal, with its thirty-seven
thousand stand of arms, placed North Carolina in the front rank
of Southern States. Ten or twelve thousand of these were given
to the State of Virginia, not quite so fortunate as North Caro-
lina, on account of the destruction of the arsenal at Harper's
Ferry, already mentioned. These arms were rapidly placed in
the hands of the North Carolina Troops as fast as recruited, and
there appeared to be no trouble till it came to the turn of the
Thirty-first North Carolina Troops. This regiment was organ- "
ized on the 19th of September, 1861, and the writer well recol-
lects several interviews from both Colonel Jordan and Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Fowle in regard to arms for their regiment. The
arms of the State were already issued, and the Confederate Gov-
ernment refused to furnish arms to twelve-months volunteers.
The officers of the Thirty-first had to collect arras in the counties
in which the companies were raised ; as far as memory serves
principally from the militia the old arras they had. In this
condition the regiment was sent to Roanoke Island, the worst
armed up to this date turned over by the State. But it was the
best the State could do. From that time till the spring of 1862
the State was greatly pressed for arms. Some old arms were
Organization op Teoops. 41
collected from the militia, altered aad repaired and made service-
able. General Martin made contracts with several establish-
ments for this kind of work. His report to the Governor shows
that contracts were made by which three hundred were to be
altered and repaired every month. The Confederate States fur-
nished arms for the Thirty-third North Carolina Troops, as that
regiment was enlisted for the war; but at present memory can-
not recall any other arms received from the Government till the
spring of 1862, when the troops at Camp Mangum were armed
to go to Richmond.
In the fall of 1861, month not recollected now, the Hon.
Judah P. Benjamin, Secretary of War, in a letter to the
Governor of North Carolina, said it would not be necessary to
make large contracts for military supplies for any great length
of time, as the war would not last long, or words to that effect.
This baneful idea entertained by the head of the War Depart-
ment no doubt paralyzed all the departments of the Government,
and most valuable time was lost in procuring war materials.
With a very imperfect blockade the first year of the war, very
little advantage was taken of it by the Confederate Government,
and none by the States. It is undoubtedly true that the Gov-
ernment imported some war materials, but nothing commensurate
^with its wants. In the fall of 1861 from every Southern State
came a call for arms, with the Government unable to supply but
very few. The Governor of the great Commonwealth of Vir-
ginia, unable to get arms from the Government, sent an officer to
the Governor of North Carolina with a request for arms, hoping
that some could be furnished. The Governor of North Caro-
lina had none to furnish. From " Pollard's Southern History
of the War" it appears that the Southwest was equally as bad
off for arms as the States of Virginia and North Carolina. The
historian, in writing about General A. S. Johnston's army at
Bowling Green, Ky., in October, 1861, says: "He repeatedly
called upon the Government for re-inforcements. He made a
call upon several States of the Southwest, including Tennessee,
for a large number of troops. The call was revoked at the
42 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
instance of the authorities in Richmond, who declined to furnish
twelve-months volunteers with arms." The fact of the case is,
the Government had very few arms to furnish, and volunteering
came almost to a stop on that account.
The writer is satisfied that North Carolina could duriug the
fall and winter of 1861 have had ten thousand more men iu the
field had there been arms to put in their hands. What is true
of North Carolina, with its thirty-seven thousand stand of arms
to start with, must be equally true in regard to the other States.
The Confederate Government could have had one hundred thou-
sand more men in the field in the spring of 1862 if it had used
energy in getting arms for them. With cotton selling in the
South for ten cents in currency and in Liverpool for forty to
fifty cents in gold, and only an imperfect blockade, there was no
valid reason why the arms should not be on hand. The idea
entertained by the War Department, as above stated, we fear, is
responsible for it all, and found the South unprepared at every
point attacked in the spring of 1862. This unprepared condi-
tion cost the South millions of property, important territory
never firmly regained, thousands of valuable lives, and perhaps
its independence. The valor of the Confederate soldiers, who at
every point fought against fearful odds, saved the South from
being overrun in the spring of 1862, and not the energy dis-
played by the Government in getting prepared for the struggle.
We will now return to North Carolina history proper. Gov-
ernor Clark and General Martin, though both extremely hopeful
of the final results of the war, were not so hopeful as the
Secretary of War. Soon after the Secretary's letter was received
the Governor dispatched an agent to England to purchase arms
for the State. The first installment, two thousand, was received
in the spring of 1862, no transportation could be obtained for
them sooner; and Governor Vance reports two thousand more
received by the "Ad- Vance." This is all we can trace up, but
believe more were received.
During the fall of 1861 General Martin made arrangements
with several small establishments in the State to make arms.
Organization of Teoops. 43
He engaged two Frenchmen to make sabres, swords, bayonets,
etc., at Wilmington. They manufactured a large number, which
were immediately given to the troops, sabres being greatly
needed for the cavalry. Some mechanics in Guilford county
entered into a contract to make three hundred new rifles per
month. The Governor referred to this contract in his message
to the Legislature. As near as can be ascertained, ten thousand
rifles were received under this contract, making a total of fifty-
one thousand stand of arms put in the hands of soldiers by the
State of North Carolina. A large number of old arms were al-
tered and repaired, of which no accurate account can be given here.
The State encouraged every effort for manufacturing every-
thing needed for the troops. Here we will copy a report of the
issues of the Ordnance Department of the State of North Caro-
lina from June 30, 1861, to September 30, 1862:
"Twenty-one thousand one hundred and forty muskets, 6,831
rifles, 609 Hall's carbines, 2,241 pistols, 2,057 swords, 43,898
cartridge-boxes, 22,773 belts, 39,999 waist belts, 41,131 cap
pouches, 33,889 bayonet scabbards, 24,096 gun slings, 1,390,934
cartridges, 34,244 pounds cannon powder, 44,754 pounds mus-
ket and rifle powder, 1,572,850 musket caps, 64,959 pounds
lead, 1,660 saddles, 1,136 saddle-bags, 1,327 bridles, 1,193
halters, 834 bridles, 104 martingales, 838 holsters, 18 sets artil-
lery harness, 4,105 pounds musket balls, 253 pounds buckshot,
81 boxes cannon ammunition, 893 double-barrel shotguns, 13
single-barrel guns, 559 pounds blasting powder, 93,000 shot-
gun caps, 1,361 pairs spurs, and 2 six-pound field brass pieces."
General Martin's report of the expenditures of the department
from October 1, 1861, to September 30, 1862, was $512,713.
General Gatlin's report from October 1, 1862, to March 31,
1864, was $1,160,595.
No later reports were published, and owing to the death of all
the officers who had charge of the department, no detailed account
can be given for the last year of the war.
In connection with the Ordnance Department will be given
an account of the effort made by the State for the manufacture
44 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
of powder. General Martin, in his report to the Governor,
says: "The State, through Governor Clark, advanced Messrs.
Waterhouse & Bowes ten thousand dollars towards erecting the
Raleigh Powder Mill. After the mill was put in operation it
was destroyed by explosion. At the solicitation of Governor
Clark they purchased the paper mills for the purpose of build-
ing another mill, and twelve thousand dollars was advanced to
them. Both of these sums are to be refunded in four equal
installments. This sum, with the private funds of Messrs.
Waterhouse & Bowes, being inadequate to complete the mill,
you [Governor Vance] advanced them eight thousand dollars.
The mill will be near enough completed by the first of Decem-
ber to commence operation, and will yield weekly about four
thousand pounds powder."
The above investment was secured by mortgage to make the
State safe. The enterprise proved a complete success, and we
find in General Gatlin's report the following year that the State
turned over to the Confederate Government over half a million
dollars' worth of powder and paid the State for the amount ad-
vanced. There is every reason to believe it did equally as well
the last year of the war, though no reports are available.
The State also engaged in the manufacture of ammunition.
General Gatlin, in his report, says: "The operations of the car-
tridge and moulding factory were for a time impeded on account
of the great difficulty of procuring lead, but a good supply of
that article having been accumulated by means of the State's
importing vessels, the factory is now in full operation." The
policy of the State from the commencement of the struggle was
to encourage the manufacture at home of everything needed, and
the Adjutant-Generals of the State always had the ready approval
of Governors Clark and Vance for everything that was likely to
succeed and help the Confederate cause. From these reports it
can be seen that the State was engaged in importing arms and
manufacturing them in the State also, making sabres, swords
saddles, etc. Also in aiding the development of the powder
mill and the manufacture of ammunition. Nothing that could
be of service to the Confederacy was overlooked.
Organization of Troops. 45
PAY DEPARTMENT.
The operations of this department were under the charge of
Major A. M. Lewis, Paymaster, assisted by Lieutenant E. G.
Lewis, Assistant Paymaster. Its duties being clearly defined by
law, did not involve any of the intricate questions of supply and
demand of the other departments. It is, however, proper to
state here that the duties were at all times satisfactorily performed.
The disbursements under this head are included in the Quarter-
master's Department.
.BOARD OF CLAIMS.
The Convention appointed a Board of Claims, or rather board
of auditors, composed of the Hons. B. F. Moore, Samuel
F. Phillips and P. H. Winston, three very able lawyers. It
was the duty of this board to examine all the accounts and see
that the expenditures were made according to law. To the eter-
nal honor of the disbursing officers of the State of North Caro-
lina during the war, this learned body was not able to find any
mistakes or any disbursements not strictly within the letter of
the law.
We will now sum up what North Carolina did during the war.
It put in the field not less than one hundred aud twenty-seven
thousand men, and in all probability more, and issued to them,
without the assistance of the Confederate States, fifty-one thou-
sand stand of arms and all the necessary equipments. It fur-
nished horses for two regiments of cavalry and several light
batteries, with all the necessary equipments for both branches of
46 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
the service. Also equipments for the three other regiments of
cavalry, where the men furnished their own horses. It had
sabres, saddles, etc., manufactured for the cavalry before the
Confederate States could supply the troops raised with them. It
furnished transportation to the troops to camps of instruction
and well drilled them before they were turned over to the Con-
federate States. It furnished subsistence, clothing, camp and
garrison equipage for the troops as raised, and continued to
clothe them to the end of the war. When its supplies of cloth-
ing and shoes were found inadequate it sent to England, pur-
chased a fine steamer and brought in several cargoes of army
supplies and various other things greatly needed. To lessen the
risk of capture, it sold one-half of the "Ad-Vance" and invested
in three other steamers. It shipped to England a large amount
of cotton to pay for the ship and supplies. The money paid by
the Confederate States for clothing was invested in cotton, and
with the cotton more clothing and supplies were purchased.
This was able financial management without costing the State
one dollar; and it kept the troops of North Carolina well clothed
during the war.
The State bought a large portion of the provisions used in the
early part of the war at Louisville and horses for the first cav-
alry from the blue-grass regions of Kentucky, securing them
from remote points and saving State supplies, before the Con-
federacy awoke to the importance of getting supplies from ex-
posed places.
We will give a detailed statement of the expenditures by
North Carolina for the war.
General Martin's report from October 1, 1861, to September
30, 1862:
Quartermaster's Department, . . $4,502,729
Subsistence, .... 404,956
Ordnance, 512,731
General Gatlin's report from October 1, 1862, to March 31
1864:
Organization of Troops. 47
Quartermaster's Department, . . |11, 680,131
Subsistence, 1,080,958
Ordnance, 1,160,595
Sales of powder to the Confederate States, 521,563
There is no published report of the ex-
penditures from the commencement of
the war to September 30 — we estimate
low, 600,000
No published report of the expenditures
later than March 31, 1864— we estimate, 6,000,000
$26,363,663
Here we have a total of over twenty-six million dollars con-
tributed by North Carolina to the war, without mentioning the
arms taken at Fayette ville. In regard to the estimate of six
millions for the last year of the war. General Gatlin says in his
report "there is still due $1,247,235 for clothing turned over in
the first quarter," showing that the issues of clothing alone would
araouut to about five million dollars. One, million for all the
other articles is undoubtedly below the mark. The State of
North Carolina exercised its full sovereign powers in the prose-
cution of the war from the beginning, and did not become an
applicant for support from the Confederate Government. On
the contrary, the Government was always heavily in debt to it
for supplies of all kinds.
If a correct and unbiased history of the war is ever written
it will undoubtedly be seen that North Carolina put more men
in the field, according to its white population in 1860, than any
other State North or South, and that its devotion to the cause
and energy in prosecuting the war cannot be matched by any other
State. The pages of history may be searched in vain for greater
achievements by any State or country than those accomplished by
North Carolina during the war. With its ports blockaded, fur-
nishing twenty-six million dollars' worth of supplies to the Con-
federate cause, a considerable portion of which was brought from
48 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
abroad, and, as Governor Vance says, "considerable other freight
for the Confederacy." Last, though not least, from Major T. D.
Hogg's report it appears that the Commissary Department of
North Carolina "was feeding about half of Lee's army" before
the sun of the Confederacy went down. In every department
the State of North Carolina ably sustained the army and Gov-
ernment, almost stepping outside of its legitimate duties in engag-
ing in the manufacture of powder and ammunition for the Gov-
ernment, as already mentioned. We can state without fear of
contradiction, that no Southern State can show anything approxi-
mating this record.
The State of North Carolina has reason to be proud of the
record made by her troops in the field, which is known wherever
the English language is spoken. It has equal reason to be proud
of the record made by the executive and military departments of
the State. Great credit is due to the three War Governors of the
State — Ellis, Clark and Yance. Each and all of them supported
the Confederate Government without any friction, which, unfor-
tunately, was not the case in some other States. Credit is also
due to Colonels Hoke, Branch and Johntson for valuable services
during the early stages of the war, to General Martin for the
splendid condition in which the troops of North Carolina were
organized andthe efficiency of the military departments established
according to his directions, and for his energetic perseverance in
advocating the blockade-running until he finally secured its
approval, and to General Gatlin for the efficient discharge of
the duties while he was Adjutant-General. General Fo'wle was
so short a time in charge that nothing of any special importance
occurred to note here. But while giving credit to each and all
of these, we must not overlook the valuable services performed
by three unassuming, faithful and efficient officers at Raleigh,
Major John Devereux, Chief Quartermaster, who, in addition to
his other duties, so ably managed all the details of the blockade
business; Major T. D. Hogg, Commissary, whose store-houses
were always well filled, and Captain A. W. Lawrence, Ordnance
Officer. They and their assistants had to perform all the detail
Organization of Troops. 49
duties of the vast amount of business done at Raleigh during most
of the war, all of which was well done.
We cannot close this narrative without saying something about
the women of the State of Noi'th Carolina. No women in any
age or country were more devoted to a cause than were those of
North Carolina to the Confederacy. The women of the State, by
their love, devotion and fortitude, contributed as much to the
Southern cause as the men who were fighting the battles, and
they are now foremost in raising monuments to the dead and
preserving the records of the struggle, as they were foremost in
all good works during the war. In the dark and dismal winter
of 1861, when neither the State nor Confederacy was able to sup-
ply the troops as they should have been, the women of North Caro-
, lina, in addition to what they contributed through the State officers
to be sent to the army, sent direct during the last three months
of that year, according to "Pollard's History," three hundred and
twenty-five thousand dollars' worth of supplies, which were
recorded at the passport office in Richmond and permits given
to have them taken to the army. This is the only record we have
of voluntary contributions, but we know they were continued
to the end of the war. Many cases have come to the knowledge
of the writer where these kind acts were continued to disabled
soldiers and their families long after the war was ended.
I will now bid the old guard farewell. Though temporarily
absent from the State, I hope to be there again before the final
roll-call; but be that as it may, the glorious achievements of the
North Carolina Troops, with which I have been humbly associ-
ated during the war, will remain dear to me as long as memory
lasts. Respectfully submitted,
A. Gordon.
HuLDA, La.,
April 9, 1900.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE.
JANUARY I, 1863, TO THE SURRENDER— THE BREAK-UP.
By MAJOR WILLIAM A. GRAHAM.
Major Gordon, Assistant Adjutant-General during General
Martin's administration, in closing his article on the history of
the Adjutant-General's office to that time suggested that I should
continue the history to the close of the war. This is the
object of this paper, with such addenda as may appear of
interest.
The Adjutant-General, I think, was elected or confirmed by
vote of the General Assembly. Governor Vance was elected
Governor in August, 1862, and inaugurated January 1, 186.3.
The principal candidates for Adjutant-General were Hon. (after-
wards Governor) Daniel G. Fowle, of Wake, and Captain John
Randolph (of Northampton county), Company H, Second North
Carolina Cavalry. The Legislature, by resolution or act, con-
ferred upon the Governor the right to appoint the Adjutant-
General. Daniel G. Fowle was appointed.
Major R. S. Tucker was appointed Assistant Adjutant-Gen-
eral. He commanded an independent cavalry company, which
was placed in the Third North Carolina Cavalry on the forma-
tion of that regiment. After several months' service General
Fowle resigned on account of a disagreement between him and
the Surgeon-General as to the right of the latter to report directly
to the Governor and not through the Adjutant-General's office
the Governor sustaining the Surgeon-General. Brigadier-Gen-
eral R. C. Gatlin was appointed. He had been an officer in the
United States Army, was brevetted for gallantry in the Mexi-
Organization of Tkoops. 51
can war, and had served as Brigadier-General in tiie Confederate
army.
In October, Major Tucker resigned and Captain W. A. Gra-
ham, of the North Carolina Cavalry, was appointed Assistant
Adjutant-General. He had been wounded at Gettysburg, July 3d.
The officers of the department to the close of the war were
Brigadier-General R. C. Gatlin, Adjutant-General; Major W.
A. Graham, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-General; Lieutenant John B.
Neathery, Assistant Adjutant-General; Lieutenant I. H. Ben-
nett, Assistant Adjutant-General; Lieutenant T. W. Slocum, As-
sistant Adjutant-General.
Roll of Honor Department — Major James H. Foote, Assistant
Adjutant-General.
Surgeons — Edward Warren, M. D., Surgeon-General; Otis F.
Mason, M. D., Surgeon in charge Richmond Hospital.
Quartermaster — Major John Devereux, Quartermaster; Major
Henry C. Dowd, Quartermaster; Captain Thaddeus McGee, As-
sistant Quartermaster.
Commissary — Major Thomas D. Hogg, Commissary.
Paymaster — Major W. B. Gulick.
Ordnance Officer — Lieutenant Josiah Collins.
The passage of the conscript act by the Confederate Con-
gress early in 1862 declared all men between eighteen and
forty-five years of age subject to military duty, except those
designated by the States as necessary for State service and exemp-
tions specified by law. These exemptions were preachers, school
teachers, overseers of twenty negroes, manufacturors and their
laborers, editors and printers, and perhaps others not now recol-
lected.
The Confederate States, through its conscript bureau, executed
the law, collecting and forwarding the conscripts to the armies.
There was nothing for the State to do along this line. The State
exempted the State and county officers, justices of the peace,
officers of the militia regiments and the Sixty-seventh and Sixty-
eighth Regiments North Carolina Troops, Henry's Battalion,
52 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Wynn's Battalion and some companies which had been enlisted
as State forces.
The State officers, justices of the peace and militia officers were
organized into companies and by counties into battalions and
were designated by law as Home Guards. The field officers were
appointed by the Governor for the different counties. Colonel
Collett Leventhorpe, who had been Colonel of the Thirty-fourth
Regiment and also Colonel of the Eleventh Regiment, and
who had been severely wounded at Gettysburg, was appointed
to command the State Home Guard, with the rank of Briga-
dier-General. The force when called into the field made, I
think, four regiments. It was used to arrest deserters from the
Confederate army, quell disturbances, and was called to Wil-
mington in December, 1864, to assist in repelling General B. F.
Butler's attack. I do not recollect that it was ever actually
engaged in battle with the Yankees.
In 1864 Congress extended the ages of service in the conscript
act so as to include seventeen to eighteen and forty-five to fifty
years. The former were designated Junior Reserves, the latter
Senior Reserves. They were organized by counties into compa-
nies of each class and these into regiments and battalions. The
conscripts (eighteen to forty-five years) were not so organized,
but when they reported to the bureau they were assigned to regi-
ments whose ranks had been reduced in numbers, without any
consideration as to where the companies were enlisted. There
were three regiments and several battalions of Junior Reserves
and two of Seniors.
ROLL OF HONOR.
In 1862 this department of the Adjutant-General's office was
established. Major James H. Foote was appointed to manage
it. The object was to procure a history of each soldier furnished
by the State, and have it arranged by companies and regiments.
Blanks were prepared similar to muster-rolls.for a description of
the service of each soldier. These were copied into books pre-
pared after the same manner. A history of the regiment as a whole
was to precede the history of the soldier by companies. If the
Organization of Thoops. , 53
officers to whom these blanks were sent to be filled had attended
to having it properly done the history of the North Carolina
soldiers would have been complete. Many of these officers
(under false ideas of modesty, perhaps) paid little attention to
the matter, and the blanks were either never filled or not returned
to Major Foote when completed. Deeds of themselves and com-
rades which would add lustre to the record and correct or con-
tradict misrepresentation by others will never be known.
The average North Carolinian is a queer citizen, in that he
seems to hold the opinion that if a man or a company perform
the duty assigned, and is satisfied at the time with their conduct,
it does not matter whether any one else knows of it, or what
opinion they may have of the transaction.
I think about two-thirds of the companies returned the blanks
more or less completed. They were copied in the books and are now
in the Adjutant-General's office or the State Library at Raleigh.
IMPRESSING negroes TO WORK ON THE FORTIFICATIONS.
This was done by the Home Guard. The orders were issued
from the Adjutant-General's office, and perhaps would now be
mistaken for a circular from political headquarters, as they con-
tained the following sentence: "This order is to embrace all male
negroes between twenty-one and forty-five years of age in your
district."
The number called for being stated by the Confederate author-
ities, one out of a specified number (generally eight, I think) was
taken. None were taken from those owning only one, unless
the quota was unfilled from those owning more. Sometimes it was
necessary to "lump" the owners and decide in some way which
one negro should be selected. After collecting the negroes they
were|earried to the designated places and turned over to the
Confederate officers.
THE "ad- VANCE."
The "Ad- Vance" continued to run the blockade to Ber-
muda, making a trip in about sixty days, carrying out cotton
and Bringing supplies for the soldiers. North Carolina clothed
54 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
the soldiers she furnished the Confederacy and the Government
paid the State. The consequence was that the North'Carolinians
were better clothed than the troops of any other State, and this
fact gave Governor Vauce a warm place in the soldiers' hearts.
The Governor had a supply of cotton and wool cards imported
by the "Ad-Vance," which were very valuable to the soldiers'
wives and daughters in preparing yarn for clothing. I suppose
some of these, although well worn and now discarded, are held
as heir-looms by women of this generation.
It was necessary in running the blockade to use coal that
would not make much smoke. A supply was kept on hand for
the ship at Wilmington. In September, 1864, the Confederate
Cruiser "Tennessee," coming into Wilmington, took on its de-
parture the coal intended for the next trip of the "Ad-Vance."
This made it necessary to use inferior coal, and, being tracked
by the smoke, the "Ad- Vance" was pursued by the blockading
fleet and captured. Governor Vance called the attention of the
Legislature to this, and recommended that demand be made on
the Confederate Government for payment for the ship and cargo.
THE officers OF THE HOME GUARD.
The officers of the Home Guard appreciated their position as
much as any set of men connected with the war. If the corre-.
spondence of the office has been preserved there are many letters
and reports that would be entertaining to those who were further
to " the front." One captain (from Moore county, I think)
wrote about as follows :
"Mr. Gov. Vance:
" Dear Sir : — If I was Governor, I'll agree to go to hell if I
wouldu't be Governor."
Then followed a complaint of some man in his neighborhood
who was distilling corn, which he thought ought to be kept for
the soldiers' families, and he desired authority and orders to
stop him forthwith.
Oeganization of Troops. 55
OLD men's guard.
In the summer of 1864, in many of the towns, the men above
the Senior Reserve age, or exempt from disability, formed com-
panies, procured arms and drilled " in the cool of the evenings"
several times a week. They presented a picture of a peculiar
type. I have frequently seen one of them who served in the
United States Congress in Monroe's administration repairing to
the rendezvous under a silk umbrella, raised to ward off the
sun, while his colored dining-room servant brought up the rear,
carrying the musket with which he was to drill. He was not
alone in thus showing his zeal for his country's defease. As
they stood in line the commander often repeated the command :
"Gentlemen, please keep your pieces erect."
lee's army in 1865.
Each month there were sent to the regimental commanders of
North Carolina Troops blanks for reports, partly to ascertain
how much clothing it was necessary to prepare. The reports
which came in March, 1865, one month before the surrender,
showed thirty-five thousand men for duty, as I now recollect.
PREPARATIONS FOR EVACUATION.
It seemed certain that General Sherman would reach Raleigh
in his march, and in February and March, 1865, the books and
papers not necessary for daily use were boxed and shipped to
Statesville. General Joe Johnston's army, with General Beau-
regard's (the latter were troops serving on the coasts of South
Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina), assembled between Ral-
eigh and Goldsboro, near Selma. At the invitation of General
Johnston, Governor Vance reviewed these troops. After General
Lee evacuated his lines around Richmond all people who appre-
ciated the situation believed the end was nigh. It was no sur-
prise when at the depot at Hillsboro, on Monday night, April
11th, the train brought the news " General Lee has surrendered."
Governor Swain had written Governor Graham to meet him in
56 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Raleigh the next day to confer with Governor Vance on the
situation. They were thus on hand when needed. General
Johnston, after the battle of Bentonsville, having announced
his intention to evacuate Raleigh at an early day, Governor
Yance sent them as a commission to General Sherman to se-
cure the city from pillage,' to preserve the property of the
State, and to learn what his intentions were as to the officers of
the State. Governor Graham prepared the papers, and a per-
mit to pass the lines having been signed by Lieutenant-General
Hardee, an engine drawing a coach in which were the commis-
sioners, Surgeon-General Warren, Majors Devereux and Hogg,
and Colonel J. G. Burr, of the Governor's staff, was started.
For some reason General Johnston or President Davis tele-
graphed General Hardee to withdraw the permit He signalled
the outposts and the train was stopped, and started on its return.
General Kilpatrick's advance, traveling the dirt road, struck the
railroad ahead of the car, and, although it bore a white flag, fired
into it, commanding a halt, and insisted they were prisoners.
They were sent to General Sherman's headquarters, who said
they had come out in good faith and should be allowed to return
the same way, but that it was now too late to go that night.
They laid their business before him. Governor Graham spent
the night with General Sherman in his tent. Governor Swain,
with General Frank P. Blair, who had been a student at Chapel
Hill under his presidency.
LINCOLN on the CAPTURE OF DAVIS.
General Sherman, in conversation, told Governor Graham
that he had seen the President the week before, and asked him
if he wished him to capture Jeff Davis. Mr. Lincoln replied:
"I will tell you a circumstance. Once there was a temperance
lecturer in Indiana, who, on going home after the lecture with a
sister, asked for a drink of water. She asked him if he would
not like to have something stronger in it. "He replied: "If
you could get a little in " unbeknownst " to me, I would't care
if you did."
Organization of Troops. 57
This appears to have been said at a Cabinet meeting. After-
wards, when Stanton, Secretary of War, seemed anxious to
capture President Davis, General Sherman remarljs in a post-
script to a letter to Chief Justice Chase ("Records War of Rebel-
lion," p. 412, No. 100) "to this hour the War Department has
sent me no orders to hunt for, arrest or capture Jeff Da\'is, but
on the contrary, as near as I know, their wish is that he escape,
provided it be unknown to them."
GOVERNOR VANCE LEAVES RALEIGH.
General Sherman agreed to have measures taken to pre-
serve the property of the State and city. As to the affairs
of the State, he said that when " there was no interference with
him he had nothing to do with them, but left them for the
courts to deal with." General Hardee informed Governor
Vance that he would "uncover" the city at 12 o'clock that
night. At that hour Governor Vance left Raleigh and pro-
ceeded to Hillsboro. General Sherman returned the commis-
sioners to Raleigh early the next morning, as the Confederates
were leaving and the Yankees entering the city. Governor
Graham was to endeavor to go on to Governor Vance and Gov-
ernor Swain to remain in Raleigh to see that protection was
afforded. Between St. Mary's and where the Agricultural and
Mechanical College- now stands Governor Graham found him-
self between the lines and a brisk skirmish just opening.
The Confederates retiring, he saw no opportunity of reaching
Governor Vance, and returned to the city to make other arrange-
ments. Report that he had been wounded between the lines had
reached General Sherman, and he seemed much relieved to find
it not so.
Conveyance was procured from a friend, and Governor Swain
joining him, they came on to Hillsboro the next day, reaching
there about 8:30 P. M. They found Governor Vance taking
tea with Governor Graham's family.
The commissioners made their report, but as Raleigh had
68 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
been evacuated it was thought best to make no attempt to return
until the Confederate authorities had been conferred with.
The following is a copy of the papers carried by the com-
missioners. ("Records War of Rebellion," p. 178, No. 100):
State of North Caholina,
Executive Department,
Raleigh, April 12, 1865.
General W. T. Sherman, Commanding U. S. Forces:
Sir :— Understanding that your army is advancing on this capital, I
have to request, under proper safe conduct, a personal interview at such
time as may be agreeable to you, for the purpose of conferring upon the
subject of a suspension of hostilities, with a view to further communica-
tion with the authorities of the United States touching the final termi-
nation of the existing war. IE you concur in the propriety of such a
proceeding I shall be obliged for an early reply.
With high respect, your obedient servant,
Z. B. Vance.
Headquarters Military Division op the Mississippi — In the Field,
Gulley's Station, N. C, April 12, 1865.
His Excellency, Z. B. Vance, Governor of North Carolina:
Sir: — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi-
cation of this date, and inclose you a safeguard for yourself and any
member of the State government that chooses to remain in Raleigh. I
would gladly have enabled you to meet me here, but some interruption
occurred to the train by the orders of General Johnston after I had
passed within the lines of my cavalry advance, but as it came out of
Raleigh in good faith it shall return in good faith, and will in no measure
be claimed by us. I doubt if hostilities can be suspended as between
the army of the Confederate Government and the one I command, but I
will aid you all in my power to contribute to the end you aim to reach,
the termination of the existing war.
I am truly, your obedient servant,
W. T. Sherman,
Major- General.
(Inclosure).
Headquarters Military Division op the Mississippi — In the Field,
Gulley's Station, N. C, April 12, 1865.
All officers and soldiers of this army are commanded to respect and
protect the Governor of North Carolina and the officers and servants of
the State government, the Mayor and civil authorities of Raleigh, pro-
Organization of Troops. 59
vided no hostile act is committed against the oflBcers and men of this
army between this and the city.
W. T. Sherman,
Major-Oeneral Commanding.
The train of cars now here in charge of Colonel James G. Burr of the
stafi' of Governor Vance can pass to and from Raleigh without let or
hindrance until further orders. All guards and pickets will see that it
is not interfered with or destroyed.
W. T. Sheeman,
Major-Oeneral Commanding.
The Governor's staff was now as follows: The writer, As-
sistant Adjutant-Greneral, Colonel D. D. Ferrebee, Lieutenant
Julius Juthrie, C. S. Navy, and Captain James A. Bryan, Ord-
nance Officer Lane's Brigade, who was in Raleigh at the time of
the evacuation of Richmond.
THE GOVERNOR AND STAFF ON THE MOVE.
We left Hillsboro on Saturday morning, going to Haw River,
whence Governor Vance went by train to Greensboro, to meet
President Davis, but he had left before his arrival. The staff
spent the night with Mr. Swepson. Water-courses were much
swollen by recent rains, and we had to swim several creeks en
route to Haw River — the river was very high. Planks were
laid across the railroad bridge, teams were unhitched and the
wagons and cannon pulled over by hand. The teams were either
led over or swam through the river.
Next day we went to Company Shops (now Burlington), and
received a telegram from the Governor to come on to Greens-
boro. The news of Lee's surrender seems to have been kept
from Johnston's army. As we passed through the camps near
Greensboro that evening about dark I heard a soldier calling to
a comrade and telling him that it was certainly so, "for he
had seen one of Lee's men in Greensboro that day who had his
parole." It had been more than a week since the surrender,
and it is remarkable how it could have been kept from being
known to the whole army.
60 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
RAIDED BY WHEELER's CAVALRY.
At Greensboro there were large quantities of cloth and other
supplies belonging to the State. These had been guarded by
the Home Guard, but on the coming of Johnston's army Lieu-
tenant-Colonel A. C. McAlister, Forty-sixth North Carolina
Troops of Lee's army, who was in Greensboro with a portion of
his regiment, was assigned to the duty. Some of Wheeler's
Cavalry determined to take the cloth, and organized a crowd of
about fifty for the purpose. They were warned not to go, and
told' with whom they had to deal, but on they came. When
they were within one hundred yards of Colonel McAlister's
division the front rank began to fire over their heads, hoping
thus to stop them, but still they came on. He then commanded:
"Men, lower your pieces. Fire!" Three were unhorsed, and so
badly wounded that they died. The others precipitately left
the field, and there was no further trouble with the State's
supplies.
The North Carolina officers about Greensboro of Lee's and
Johnston's armies besought Governor Vance to have these sup-
plies issued or to let the soldiers take what they wanted, as "the
end had come." He was willing for each one to have what was
necessary for his personal use, but said " it was the State's prop-
erty, and he had no right to destroy it."
As we' came from Hillsboro, about eight miles out we over-
took two of Wheeler's Cavalry with one horse to a buggy,
another tied to this one, while one of the men was eopiing from
a house leading another, followed by a woman and half a dozen
children, begging him to leave the horse. These were the family
of a soldier in Lee's army, the horse the only work animal they
had. The Governor met him at the road and told him if he did
not give up that horse he would "arrest him and go to General
Johnston's headquarters to see that he was shot as a horse thief."
The horse was released. The thanks and rejoicing of the mother
and family was a touching scene. The buggy was loaded with
what had been plundered from citizens. This straggling, plun-
dering horde, known as " Wheeler's Cavalry," seemed to be an
Organization of Troops. 61
organization to itself, and it is to be regretted that the brave
men who were with the General at the front have been so often
confounded with this crowd. To us, who had served with Jeb
Stuart, it was a new "arm of the service"; we had seen noth-
ing like it, although we had been almost to Harrisburg, Penn.,
in our campaign. The nearest approach was the stragglers on
the Gettysburg campaign, whom General Stuart designated as
" Company Q," and disbanded by general orders, referring to
them as a " disgraceful organization."
governor VANCE MEETS JEFF DAVIS.
From Greensboro the Governor telegraphed President Davis
for a conference. I accompanied him to Charlotte, but was not
present at the conference, which was held in Mr. Thomas W.
Dewey's parlor (now the Observer building). The proceedings
were about as follows: After a general conversation on the sit-
uation. Governor Vance said: " Mr. President, I have come to see
what you wish me to do." The President replied in substance
that "it was a time for every man to stand to his post and do
his duty." After a short silence. General J. C. Breckinridge,
Secretary of War (the Cabinet being present), said: "Mr. Presi-
dent, I do not think you have answered the Governor's ques-
tion." Mr. Davis replied rather tartly: "Well, what would you
tell him to do?" General Breckinridge said: "The end is evi-
dently near, and .he should make the best terms he can for his
people and his State." Mr. Davis replied: "You would?"
THE ARMISTICE.
Generals Johnston and Sherman had agreed upon terms to
close the war, which were submitted to their respective govern-
ments for approval. A truce or armistice was declared until the
decisions of the governments were known. The day I was
in Charlotte, James H. Orr and some one else went towards Lin-
colnton to carry General Stoneman notice of the armistice. That
day the bridge at Rozzelle's ferry was burned. General E. D.
Johnston, who was in the peach orchard on the Mecklenburg
62 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
side, with a few others in line, had a silver dollar in tis breast-
pocket badly dented by a ball fired by Stoneman's men from the
Gaston side of the river.
There was a large quantity of leather and rubber belting and
some cloth in a house standing about where Mr. Clinard's store
now is. That afternoon some of the citizens broke the store
open and helped themselves to the goods — as they thought the
Confederacy was dead, they administered on its effects.
THE CROWD WAS BROKE.
At 12 o'clock that night we went in a box-car to Salisbury
and "put up" at the hotel kept by Dr. ^Y. H. Howerton. He
declined to take Confederate money in payment for breakfast
and lodging. Governor Vance had not a cent of specie. I had
seven dollars. When I left Hillsboro my father had fifteen sil-
ver dollars belonging to my brother James (who was with Lee),
and he gave me seven of it. He did not have a cent of specie of his
own. At that time he was a Confederate States Senator. Neither
he nor Governor Vance had favored secession in the beginning,
but when they gave their adhesion to the Southern cause they
nobly stood by it. The currency with which the nation paid its
soldiers they considered good enough for them, and there is no
stronger proof of faithfulness to duty assumed in our history
than this incident affords. Dr. Howerton declined to receive
the silver, but said it ,was useless to take Confederate money,
and simply marked our names paid. I think General Wade
Hampton was also present, and, like the Governor, had nothing
but Confederate money. Dr. Howerton did the same for him.
After breakfast we went to the depot and down to the old
round-house. While in it we heard firing at the depot, first an
occasional shot, then vollies. We thought Sherman had advanced
and that we were prisoners. Some one had fired the boxes of
ammunition piled on the depot platform.
THE RETURN TO GREENSBORO.
On the return to Greensboro, the Confederacy being at an end,
Governor Vance was desirous to communicate with General Sher-
Organization of Troops. 63
man. He went with Generals Johnston and Breckinridge and
Hon. J. H. Reagan to Hampton's outpost, near Strayhorn's (now
University Station). Here the others held several consultations,
to none of which was the Governor invited. He took offense
at this treatment and the manner of his transportation back to
Greensboro. I bore several letters between him and General
Johnston on the subject. All was satisfactorily adjusted.
While at General Hampton's outpost news came of Lincoln's
assassination, and Governor Vance abandoned his trip to Raleigh.
During the armistice several hundred of General Johnston's
soldiers came to Governor Vance's headquarters (the brick office
opposite the court-house — Messrs. Scott's law office) and called
on him and General J. C. Brown, of Tennessee, for speeches.
They responded on the close of the war on the basis laid down
by Generals Johnston and Sherman. While in Greensboro Gov-
ernor Vance was entertained by his warm personal friend and
colleague in the United States Congress, Hon. John A. Gilmer.
On going into Governor Vance's room on Sunday morning, he
informed me that we were prisoners; that the Yankees had occu-
pied the town the night before. It was concluded that flight
was impossible, even if advisable; that I should go up town and
surrender, and tell them that he was ready to do so. On going
to the court-house, I fovind that the Yankees, who had come by
train from Danville, had returned.
Sherman's affront to halleck.
President Johnson had rejected the Johnston-Sherman plan
to close the war. Stanton, as Secretary of War, and General
Halleck, as Commander-in-Chief, had ordered Generals Sheridan
and Wright "to pay no attention to General Sherman's armis-
tice," but to push into North Carolina and capture President
Davis. The subsequent history of this order, and how General
Sherman publicly affronted General Halleck in Richmond and
Stanton at the grand review in Washington, makes an interesting
chapter of history, but I cannot spare space for it in this con-
nection. It can be gotten from the official "Records of the Re-
64 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
bellion," No. 100. General Johnston Dotified General Sherman
of the presence of these troops. He complained to General
Grant, and they were withdrawn.
Johnston's surrender.
Governor Vance went that day half way to Danville by rail
to meet Governor Smith (Extra Billy) for consultation. They
held this to themselves, and I do not know the trend of
the conversation, but it was concluded that nothing could be
done. Generals Johnston and Sherman having on April 26th
agreed upon terms for the surrender of Johnston's army similar to
those between Lee and Grant, Brigadier-General Hartranft, of
Pennsylvania, came to Greensboro to arrange and accept the
paroles. He had no orders as to the ofBcers of the State govern-
ment. General Schofield, who had been assigned to this depart-
ment, came to Greensboro and took quarters at Governor More-
head's. I bore a message from Governor Vance to him, request-
ing an interview. It was a bright moonlight night; the sentinel
was stationed in the front walk, about one hundred yards from
the house; when I was fifty steps from him, bringing his gun
"to ready," he called out: "Halt; who goes there?" I replied:
" Friend, without the countersign." He answered back, " Who? "
I repeated my reply, with the addition, " I have a message from
Governor Vance to General Schofield." He called the corporal
of the guard, I advanced, and on explaining my errand to him,
I was conducted into the house. General Schofield soon came
in, and on reading the paper, remarked : " Tell the Governor I
will be happy to receive him at his convenience," I named 8 :30
o'clock for our return.
Mr. Gilmer and I think Major A. M. McPheeters, the Gov-
ernor's Private Secretary, accompanied us. Governor Morehead
also came iu the room. After a little introductory talk, the
Governor told General Schofield that he desired to talk with
him about matters in the State, and particularly about his (the
mountain) section of it. He thought there would be much
trouble and turmoil if the troops kept there for police duty
Organization op Troops. 65
should be those who had enlisted in the United States service
from that section; it would be best to send regulars and not vol-
unteers. General Stoneman thanked him for the suggestion,
and said he would consider it. One of the cavalry regiments of
the United States army was sent there. It was the regiment to
which Captains Hayes and Ward belonged. After discussion as
to matters belonging to the State for some time, the Governor
asked him what he would do with him. He replied he had no
orders as to him or any civil officer. The Governor replied that
he would in a day or two join his wife at Statesville, and if
wanted he would be found there.
LAST MAN TO LEAVE THE CONFEDERACY.
The Governor asked General Schofield to forward to Presi-
dent Johnson a communication asking for a permit to send a
commission to Washington to arrange with the Federal authori-
ties as to the affairs of the State. Governor Graham was sum-
moned by telegraph from Hillsboro. He prepared a paper to
be sent to President Johnson, asking that he and Hons. John A.
Gilmer and Bedford Brown be sent a permit to visit Washing-
ton. Mr. Brown was summoned from his home in Caswell
county, and a conference was held as to the mission. President
Johnson refused to receive the commission or send a permit, as
requested; but a short time afterwards summoned Governor
Holden, whom he appointed Provisional Governor. Governor
Holden had done more to promote secession than any man in
the State. A day or two aftewards, at about 9 o'clock. Governor
'Vance boarded the train for Salisbury and Statesville, and at
10:30 I did likewise for Hillsboro, being, as I claim, the last
man in North Carolina to leave the Confederacy. A few weeks
afterwar4s Governor Vance was arrested at Statesville and con-
fined for several weeks, with other Southern Governors, in the
old Capitol at Washington.
W. A. Graham.
Machpblah, N. C,
April 26, 1900.
Regimental Histories.
'BETHEL '' REGIMENT (FIRST VOLUNTEERS).
1. D. H. Hill, Colonel.
2. James H. Lane, Major.
3. J. B. Starr, Lieut.-Colonel.
4. Charles B. Cook, 2d Lieut., Co. H.
6. E. J. Hale, Private, Co. H.
6. Thomas Capehart, 23 Lieut., Co. M.
7. J. M. Sims, Private, Co. C.
£. W. B. Taylor, Corporal, Co. C.
9. E. F. Hoke, Major. (Picture in 21st
Regiment.)
10. W. G. Lewis, 2d Lieut., Co. A. (Pic-
ture in 43d Regiment.)
11. P. M. Parker, 2d Lieut., Co. I. (Pic-
ture in 30th Regiment.)
12. F. W. Bird, 2d Lieut., Co. L. (Picture
in nth Regiment.)
THE "BETHEL" REGIMENT.
THE FIRST NORTH CAROLINA VOLUNTEERS.
By MAJOR EDWARD J. HALE.
"First at Bethel; last at Appomattox!" is an epigram which
embodies the spirit of all the serious acts of North Carolina.
She has not exhibited those boastful qualities which seem to
characterize the peoples of new countries. She had passed her
century before she discovered that it was the making, not the
■writing, of history which chiefly distinguished her, and recorded
the fact in her recently adopted motto. It may be said of her
as the Duke of York said of Richard's noble father :
"In peace, was never gentle lamb more mild;
In war, was never lion raged more fierce."
When we consider these peculiarities of our mother State,
assimilating her more nearly than her sisters to old-world com-
munities, with their repose and reserved strength, we will be
prepared to understand the secret of the surprises which she gave
to her neighbors. It will also explain why so few general offi-
cers were accorded to her at first, and so grudgingly, and how it
came about, before the war had ended, that the North Carolina
contingent in the Army of Northern Virginia were masters of
the situation. Indeed, no thoughtful soldier of that army, ob-
serving the course of events in the last year or two of ithe war,
could hesitate to believe that if it had lasted a year longer the
leadership of the army, saving Lee himself, would have been
supplied by North Carolinians — that is to say, by those who
contributed the greater number of soldiers as well as the greater
70 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
losses in battle. The turning of the tide at Gettysburg, so dis-
heartening to the South, seemed only to inspire the troops of our
glorious State with greater fortitude as they entered upon the
losing battle which Grant's new methods imposed in the death
grapple of 1864 and 1865.
Bearing these things in mind, we may review with composure
the attitude of North Carolina before the outbreak of hostilities,
and feel the thrill of compensated pride at the celerity and pon-
derousness of her blows afterwards — whether delivered by the
First Regiment, setting the pace at Bethel Church, or by any of
its successors. The contrast in her two moods constitutes one of
the sublimest episodes of history.
The General Assembly of North Carolina met on the 19th of
November, 1860. South Carolina passed her ordinance of seces-
sion on the 20th of December. Mississippi followed on the 9th
of January, 1861; Florida, on the 10th; Alabama, on the 11th;
Georgia, on the 19th; Louisiana, on the 26th; and Texas, on the
1st of February. Amid the profound agitation which these
events produced, North Carolina preserved her equanimity as a
State, though her people were divided. Those who favored join-
ing the newly formed Confederacy advocated the calling of a
convention. Those who opposed secession opposed the calling
of a convention. There were, however, a large number who
opposed secession as inexpedient, who nevertheless favored the
calling of a convention. Such a body, it was thought, could
observe the course of events, and be ready for action if circum-
stances required.
On the 30th of January the General Assembly passed a bill
for an election to determine the question of calling a convention
and at the same time for choosing members of the convention if
called. The 28th of February was named as the day for the
election. The call of the convention was rejected by a narrow
majority, some seven hundred and fifty; but the number of dele-
gates chosen who were known as "unionists" — that is, wh&
thought secession inexpedient unless coercion of the seceded States
were attempted — was eighty-two; while the number of those
The Bethel Regiment. 71
who were known as " secessionists " — that is, those who favored
immediate action — was thirty-eight.
FKOM PEACE TO WAE.
On the 12th of April hostilities began in Charleston harbor.
On the 15th, Mr. Lincoln issued his proclamation for coercion.
On the 17th, Governor Ellis issued his patriotic rejoinder, con-
vening the General Assembly in "special session" on the 1st of
May. On the 18th of April the leading organ of the majority
contained an editorial which voiced their sentiments, as these
were affected by such a stupendous change in their affairs, and
which it will be enlightening to quote as follows:
" It is needless to remind our readers how earnestly and hon-
estly we have labored to preserve our once great and glorious
and beneficent Union. In its existence we have believed were
involved that inappreciable blessing, peace; that sound form of
liberty and law inaugurated by the Constitution of the United
States; and the security, nay, even the existence, of that domes-
tic iustitution out of which have arisen all our national troubles.
In the new aspect of affairs, we see no reason to change any
opinion that we have expressed, that the difficulty ought to have
been peaceably settled, and would have been if good men had
been influential. We believe now, as heretofore, that by the
exercise of that patience which the immense issues at stake de-
manded, there would have been a peaceful settlement. We
believe now, as heretofore, that a fratricidal war for such a cause
is a wrong of which we would not be guilty for a thousand
worlds. But with all these opinions unchanged, there is a change
in the condition of affairs — a change with which neither we nor
the people of North Carolina have had aught to do — over which
they have had no control, but which of necessity will shape their
action. The President's proclamation is "the last feather that
breaks the camel's back." It shows that the professions of peace
were a delusion and a cheat, or, if ever really entertained, that
peaceful intentions have been abandoned. War is to be prose-
cuted against the South by means of the seventy-five thousand
72 iNOETH Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
men called for; and North Carolina has been officially required
to furnish a quota of the seventy-five thousand. Will she do
it? Ought she to do it? No, no! Not a man can leave her
borders upon such an errand who has not made up his mind to
war upon his own home and all that he holds dear in that home.
For ourselves, we are Southern men and North Carolinians, and
at war with those who are at war with the South and North
Carolina. With such feelings we attended the large and almost
impromptu meeting of Tuesday last, and one of us was unex-
pectedly called upon to take a part in that meeting. Its calm
and dignified determinations met his full concurrence, though it
was the saddest public duty he was ever called upon to perform.
The future seems to us full only of evil. A civil war, in which
it will be hard to say whether victor or vanquished is the greater
sufferer. A civil war, whose end no man can see, but full every
day of its long and sad years of woe, woe, woe. The impover-
ished, the down-trodden, the widow and the orphan, will here-
after heap bitter imprecations upon the bad men who have brought
these terrible evils of desolation and death upon a great and
prosperous and happy people. Thank God! that we can say we
have labored for peace, and have had no wish but to avert the
dire calamities in a way honorable to both sections."
History — history which the government is preserving in im-
perishable records — has shown with what unequaled fidelity the
people in whose behalf these words were written redeemed their
new obligations. It was in harmony with these noble character-
istics that North Carolina should have been (with exception of her
daughter, Tennessee) the last State to secede from the Union, and,
as the world now knows, the foremost, once having taken the fate-
ful step, in all that was required to make secession good — in
harmony with her conservative and peace-loving disposition,
once the battle was joined, that she poured out her blood and
treasure in greater volume than any of her sisters; that, possess-
ing but one-tenth of the white population of the seceded States,
she contributed one-fifth of their armies; and that she mustered
at Appomattox a greater number of arms-bearing men than all
The Bethel Regiment. 73
others of them. That she should also have supplied the chief
portion "of the Confederacy's troops engaged in the first pitched
battle of the war may not be attributed to accident, but rather
to the complete condition in which she sent her first troops across
the Virginian border, her First Regiment of Volunteers. For
this reason they were sent to Yorktown, which was then the
post of danger.
The hastily assembled meeting referred to in the editorial
quoted was a public meeting held on Tuesday, the 16th of April,
the day on which Mr. Lincoln's proclamation was received in the
most of the towns of the State. Its resolutions called for the
taking of "all proper steps to maintain, secure and defend the
rights of North Carolina as one of the Southern States"; request-
ing the Governor to "forthwith convene the General Assembly,
with a view to legislative action in this crisis"; and pledging
their support and adherence " to the Governor and authorities of
the State in such manner as may be deemed necessary to be
taken to assert our rights and defend our soil."
Similar meetings were held and similar resolutions adopted in
all the towns and counties as soon as news of the proclamation
came to hand.
The remarkable feature of this movement was that it was not
concerted; yet it was simultaneous, and the voice of the people
throughout the length and breadth of the State was as that of
one man. With sublime confidence in themselves, they had
declared for peace in the face of unprecedented clamor; but, with
no less significance, they made it known that, if the time of
action should come, they would not be behind the foremost.
Thus the State which had declared for the Union, two to one, on
the 28th of February, became an armed camp, marshaled for
■resistence to the Union, on the 17th of April, less than fifty days.
NORTH CAROLINA ORGANIZES HER FIRST REGIMENT.
It was under such circumstances that the troops which formed
the First Regiment volunteered. They were the cream of the
State's uniformed militia, and they included in their ranks, when
74 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
filled and ready for leaving home, probably the highest average
order of men ever mustered for war.*
Local industries in North Carolina at that day were in a com-
paratively high state of development. These companies were
completely equipped in an incredibly short time. More than
half their members were either new, or were literary and profes-
sional men who had enrolled themselves in them as a matter of local
pride.f The State supplied arms, but all other equipments — uni-
forms, tents, knapsacks, haversacks, canteens, and so forth — were
required to be supplied by the volunteers or their organizations.
The large harness and other leather manufactories, carriage fac-
tories and metal working establishments which were a marked
feature of our dispersed industrial development before the war,
each locality taking care of its own volunteers, supplied a much
more efficient means for meeting such an emergency than the
present system of concentration which the adverse result of the
war introduced. We have recently witnessed the deplorable
delay with which the volunteers in the late Spanish war were
equipped, notwithstanding the unlimited resources of the reunited
Republic, with its more than doubled population and its concen-
trated wealth. Contrast with this the record of the North Caro-
lina of 1861, as follows:
The companies of the First Regiment volunteered on the
17th of April, 1861; they were formed into a regiment at
the State capital by successive orders from the Adjutant-
General's office, issued on April 19th, May 9th, May 12th and
May 16th; three of them (the two Fayetteville companies and
the Lincoln company) were in Richmond on the 18th of May,
the other seven arriving on the 21st; and they had fought and
won the first battle of the war by the 10th of June!
*The Charlotte Democrat of May 1, isiil, aaid: "This regiment is said to be the finest
looking body of men ever assembled in the State."
tTheYorktown correspondent of the above paper, writing on May 27th of the extra-
ordmary character of the rank and file of the First Regiment, said that among the pri-
vates were " two editors and a number of lawyers and doctors." The chaplain too the
Kev. Mr. Yates (smce a. distinguished Doctor of Divinity), was taken from the ranks of
Company B, one of the Charlotte companies.
The Bethel Eegiment. 75
ITS COMPLETENESS OF EQUIPMENT AND ORGANIZATION.
Military men know that this astonishing result could not have
been accomplished if completeness of equipment and organiza-
tion had been sacrificed to celerity of movement. It is believed
that no other regiment, then or afterwards, was set out in the
field in such style as the First North Carolina Volunteers when
they were mustered on the plain of Yorktown in the last week of
May.
Such was the judgment, also, of impartial critics. The
Petersburg (Virginia) Express of Monday, May 20, 1861, con-
tained the following :
"Three companies of the First Regiment of North Carolina
Volunteers — the Fayetteville Independent Infantry, Captain
Huske; the Fayetteville Light Infantry, Captain Starr, both
from Fayetteville, and the Southern Stars, Captain Hoke, from
Lincoln county — arrived in this city by a . special train from
Raleigh at 7 : 30 o'clock on Saturday evening. Each company
had its full complement of one hundred and nine men, thor-
oughly armed and in the best spirits. If we may form an opin-
ion of the whole regiment by the material and appearance of the
above three companies, we should unhesitatingly pronounce it to
be one of the finest in the world. North Carolina marshals her
bravest and her best for the coming contest, and sends to Vir-
ginia men who will uphold and transmit without blemish to
posterity the honorable and enviable glory and fame of their
patriotic sires. Drilled to perfection and armed to the full —
with brave hearts to lead and brave hearts to follow — they will
do their duty, and that nobly."
The same paper of Wednesday, May 22d, said :
"The remainder of the First Regiment of North Carolina
Volunteers, numbering seven companies and over seven hundred
76 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
must say that this is the best equipped regiment which has
yet made its route through our city. Everything seems to have
been provided for them that a soldier could desire — arms, ac-
coutrements, knapsacks, haversacks, canteens — in fact, nothing is
wanting."
Said the Richmond Examiner ot Thursday, May 23, 1861: =
" Without waiting for the form of a legal secession, the State
of North Carolina commenced sending her gallant sons to join
those who were already in the tented field. On Wednesday
morning the rest of the regiment (of which the first installment
arrived on Sunday*), amounting to seven hundred, reached
this city by the southern road at one o'clock. They were soon
formed into line and marched through the city, in splendid style,
to the airs of a fine band. Those who saw their close columns
and steady march as they moved down Main street, in perfect
order, their polished muskets glistening in the moonlight, with
Done of the usual attendants of loafers and negroes crowding
upon the ranks, describe the scene .as almost spectral in its ap-
pearance, so regular and orderly were its movements."
The value of these voluntary testimonials from the newspapers
of the capital State will be apparent when it is remembered that
nearly all the troops which had come to Virginia from the origi-
nal Confederate States passed over the same Petersburg and
Richmond highway. The fact that the troops of those States
had been organized and drilled for at least six months, and de-
sired war, accentuates the achievement of North Carolina, which
dealt with men who were private citizens a month before, and
who, for the most part, were opposed to war:
Nor was expert testimony lacking to the same effect. Dr.
Battle, of the University, reports that General Gabriel J.
Rains, when he visited the First Regiment on the Yorktown
Peninsula, declared that it was "the best regiment he had ever
seen." (General Rains was graduated from the United States
^Saturday night.
The Bethel Regiment. 77
Military Academy in 1827, and from that time until the breaking
out of the war served with distinction in the regular aripy. At
the time of his visit he was a general officer of the Confederacy
and in command of the First Division of Magruder's Peninsula
Army).
THE REGIMENT AS ORGANIZED.
By reference to the Adjutant-General's orders in the appen-
dix to this article it will be seen that several changes were made
in the companies assigned to the First Regiment. When com-
plete and ready for departure for Virginia its organization was
as follows:
Daniel H. Hill, Colonel.
Charles C. Lee, Lieutenant-Colonel.
James H. Lane, Major.
J. M. POTEAT, Adjutant.
John Henry Wayt, Commissary.
Dr. Peter E. Hines, Surgeon.
Dr. Joseph H. Baker, Assistant Surgeon.
Dr. John G. Hardy, Assistant Surgeon.
Rev. Edwin A. Yates, Chaplain.
Company A — Edgecombe Guards — Captain, John L. Bridg-
ers; First Lieutenant, Whitmel P. Lloyd; Second Lieutenant,
William S. Long; Junior Second Lieutenant, W. G. Lewis.
Company B — Hornet's Nest Rifles — Captain, Lewis S. Wil-
liams; First Lieutenant, William A. Owens; Second Lieuten-
ant, William P. Hill; Junior Second Lieutenant, Thomas D.
Gillespie.
Company C — Charlotte Grays — Captain, E. A. Ross; First
Lieutenant, E. B. Cohen ; Second Lieutenant, Thomas B. Trot-
ter; Junior Second Lieutenant, C. W. Alexander.
Company D — Orange Light Infantry — Captain, Richard J.
Ashe; First Lieutenant, James R. Jennings; Second Lieutenant,
Richard B. Saunders; Junior Second Lieutenant, Richardson
Mallett.
Company E — Buncombe Miflemen — Captain, William Wallis
78 NoETH Carolina Teoops, 1861-65.
McDowell; First Lieutenant, Washington Morrison Hardy;
Second Lieutenant, George Henry Gregory; Junior Second Lieu-
tenant, James Alfred Patton.
Company F — LaFayette Light Infantry — Captain, Joseph B.
Starr; First Lieutenant, Frank N. Koberts; Second Lieutenant,
John A. Pemberton; Junior Second Lieutenant, George Sloan.
Company G — Bu7'ke Rifles — Captain, Clark Moulton Avery;
First Lieutenant, Calvin S. Brown; Second Lieutenant, John
A. Dickson; Junior Second Lieutenant, James C. S. McDowell.
Company H — Fayetteville Indepmident Light Infantry — Cap-
tain, Wright Huske; First Lieutenant, Benjamin Robinson
Huske; Second Lieutenant, Charles BettsCook; Junior Second
Lieutenant, Hector McKethan.
Company I — Enfield Blues — Captain, D. B. Bell; First Lieu-
tenant, M. T. Whitaker; Second Lieutenant, F. M. Parker;
Junior Second Lieutenant, Cary W. Whitaker.
Company K — Southern Stars — Captain, William J. Hoke;
First Lieutenant, Wallace M. Reinhardt; Second Lieutenant,
Robert F. Hoke; Junior Second Lieutenant, Ed. E. Sumner.
The field officers were the three ranking officers of the North
Carolina Military Institute at Charlotte, Colonel Hill, known
by his old army title of Major, being the commandant. They
were all men of distinction in their profession.
Hill had been graduated from West Point in 1842; had par-
ticipated in nearly every important engagement in the Mexican
war; and had won the brevet of captain at Contreras and Cheru-
busco, and of major at Chapultepec. He resigned from the
army in 1849 to become Professor of Mathematics at Washing-
ton College, Virginia. In 1854 he became a professor in David-
son College, and, in 1859, commandant and manager of the
Military Institute at Charlotte. At the outbreak of the war he
was made commandant of the camp of instruction at Raleigh.
Lee was graduated high in his class at West Point in 1856;
became Second Lieutenant of Ordnance in the army; resigned
his commission in 1859, and became a professor at the Charlotte
The Bethel Regiment. 79
Military Institute. He was made major and second in command
at the camp of instruction at Raleigh.
Lane was one of the two "star graduates" of his class at the
Virginia Military Institute, and a graduate of the University of
Virginia. He became Assistant Professor of Mathematics and
Tactics at the Virginia Military Institute; later, professor of
those departments at the Florida State Seminary; and then Pro-
fessor of Natural Philosophy in the Charlotte Military Institute.
He was made drill-master and adjutant of the camp of instruc-
tion at Raleigh.
AT THE FRONT IN VIRGINIA.
The regiment was immediately sent to the front, and, as we
have seen, reached Richmond in two detachments — the first,
composed of the two Fayetteville companies and the Lincoln
company, under Colonel Hill, arriving there on Saturday night,
the 18th of May; and the second, composed of the remainder of
the regiment, Under Lieutenant-Colonel Lee, arriving on Tues-
day night, the 21st. Thus, as the Richmond Examiner said.
North Carolina had patriotically anticipated the legal act of
secession, and she had actually put nearly four hundred of her
troops on Virginia soil before its occurrence. No other State, it
is believed, did as much.
The regiment went into camp at Howard's Grove, and remained
at Richmond until the Friday following. May 24th.
As North Carolina was still technically in the Union, and
Virginia, whose ordinance of secession was passed on the 17th
of May, did not transfer her military establishment to the Con-
federacy until June 7th, our North Carolina troops on Virginia
soil were for some days in the position of allies of Virginia. As
such they were under the supreme command of General Robert
E. Lee, Commander-in-Chief of the Virginia forces. General
Lee had but three weeks before (April 20th) resigned his posi-
tion in the United States Army as Lieutenant-Colonel of Albert
Sidney Johnston's Second Regiment of Cavalry. His appear-
ance at this time was strikingly different from that in which he
80 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
subsequently became familiar to the Army of Northern Virginia.
His hair was close cropped, his complexion fresh and ruddy, his
face smooth-shaven, except for a black, military-looking mus-
tache. His movement was quicker; his figure — graceful, as can-
not be forgotten, and erect to the last — more lithe. He was,
altogether, a phenomenally handsome man, the model of a sol-
dier. 'In a year's time he looked ten years older.
' EVENTS LEADING TO THE FIRST CLASH OF ARMS.
Of the four lines* by which General Scott had planned the
invasion of Virginia — from Washington; from Fortress Mon-
roe; by the Cumberland Valley; and from Ohio, by the Kana-
wha, into Western Virginia — that from Fortress Monroe became
the natural one, with the transfer of the Capital of the Confed-
eracy from Montgomery to Richmond. Except that the first
mentioned served the double purpose of protecting the Federal
Capital, the Fortress Monroe line would undoubtedly have claimed
his chief attention. The splendid base which that great military
work, one of the largest in the world, supplied, and the ideal
route which the Yorktown Peninsula presented for his marching
troops, with the broad waters of the James and the York Rivei's
open to his navy on either flank, were considerations which must
otherwise have fixed his choice. It is probable that the situation
at the moment of the First Regiment's arrival in Richmond
would have destined them to Northern Virginia; but circumstances
were rapidly shifting the theatre of operations.
After the evacuation of the Gosport Navy Yard by the Fed-
eral authorities on the 21st of April, Richmond was thrown into
alarm by the reports of the approach of the Federal gun-boat
"Pawnee'' up the James. On the 6th of May Federal vessels
chased steamers to within twelve miles of Gloucester Point, on
the York River, opposite Yorktown, and fired upon them. On
May 7th the special agent of the Confederate Government
reported to the Secretary of War (L. P. Walker), from Rich-
mond, that intelligent and distinguished men in Richmond
*Major Jed Hotchkiss, in Confederate Military History, Vol. Ill, page 43.
The Bethel Regiment. 81
" believe Virginia on the very brink of being carried back, and
say no man but President Davis can save her. * * * There
is disappointment that he does not assume entire direction of
affairs here. * * * General Lee has ordered Louisiana
troops to Harper's Ferry. * * * "phe South Carolina troops
refuse to move unless under orders from Montgomery."* On the
11th of May, Rev. Dr. W. N. Pendleton (afterwards brigadier-
general of artillery), who had been a classmate of President
Davis at West Point, wrote to the President at Montgomery as
follows: "As you value our great cause, hasten on to Rich-
mond. Lincoln and Scott are, if I mistake not, covering by
other demonstrations the great movement upon Richmond. Sup-
pose they should send suddenly up the York River, as they can,
an army of thirty thousand or more; there are no means at hand
to repel them, and if their policy shown in Maryland gets footing
here, it will be a severe, if not a fatal, blow. Hasten, I pray you,
to avert it. - The very fact of yonr presence will almost answer.
Hasten, then, I entreat you; don't lose a day." On the 18th of
May (the day after Virginia's secession) the United States ship
"Monticello" fired on the Virginia battery at Seweli's Point,
and again on the 21st. On the 22d, Majpr-General Benjamin F.
Butler, United States Army, was transferred from the Depart-
ment of Annapolis and assigned to' the command of the Depart-
of Virginia, with headquarters at Fortress Monroe; a^nd nine
additional infantry regiments were sent there. On the 23d, a
Federal regiment made a demonstration against Hampton, three
miles from Fortress Monroe. At Hampton and other points in
the Peninsula country there was considerable disaffection to the
Confederacy.
It was under these circumstances that the destination of the
First North Carolina Volunteers, the crack regiment of the day,
was decided. They were ordered to Yorktown, the " post of
danger and of honor,"t as the papers of the day described it.
Breaking camp at Richmond on the 24th of May, they proceeded
♦Confederate Military History, Vol. Ill, page 128.
tFayetteville Observer, May 27, 1861.
6
82 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
by rail to West Point, ou the York River, and by^steam-boat
(tlie " Logan ") the rest of the way, landing at Yorktown the
same afternoon. Upon the boat was Colonel John B. Magruder,
of the Provisional Army of Virginia, lately a distinguished artil-
lery major of the United States Army, who had just been
assigned (May 21st) to the command of the Department of the
Peninsula, including the York and James Rivers.
Between the time of the regiment's arrival at Yorktown and
the 6th of June it was kept incessantly at work, drilling and in-
trenching. While engaged in the latter it was interesting to
these new disciples of Mars to trace the outline of Cornwallis's
works erected in defense against 'their forefathers four score years
before. Sometimes their spades and picks would renew, some-
times demolish, those ancient war marks, and occasionally they
would unearth a souvenir of battle.
A company of mounted men, called the Old Dominion Dra-
goons, appeared shortly after the regiment's arrival, having their
rendezvous at Yorktown; though doing picket duty between
Yorktown and the enemy's posts at Hampton (three miles from
Fortress Monroe) and Newport News, some twenty-one miles
away. At Newport News, General Butler had caused a very
strong intrenched camp to be established, garrisoning it with
several regiments, among them the Seventh New York, the First
Vermopt and the Fourth Massachusetts, together with a portion
of the Second United States Artillery. On the 28th of May two
more companies of Virginia cavalry were ordered to Yorktown,
and Cabell's Battery of light artillery was transferred thither
from Gloucester Point. On the 10th of June the Louisiana
Zouaves (the First Louisiana Battalion), under Lieutenant-
Colonel Coppens, were ordered from Richmond to Yorktown.
At the same time a number of companies of Alabama troops
were concentrated at Yorktown from Gloucester Point and Rich-
mond and organized into a regiment under Colonel John A.
Winston. Major George W. Randolph (the successor, shortly
after, of Mr. Walker as Secretary of War) had a small battalion
of artillery at Yorktown; and Lieutenant-Colonel William D.
The Bethel Regiment. 83
Stuart, of .the Third Virginia Regiment, and Major E. B. Mon-
tague, were sufficiently near to reach Bethel Church, each with
three companies, on the morning of the lOtb, the day of the
battle.
Such was the military situation — so far as the troops with
which we had to confront General Butler were concerned — for
several days before and after the battle of Bethel. About two
weeks before, a party of some three hundred Federal troops had
come up from Hampton and occupied Bethel Church. They
remained a day or two, and left a number of incriptions on the
walls of the church — "Death to the Traitors!" "Down with
the Rebels!" and the like — which were read with interest by our
men upon arrival. Colonel Magruder determined to put a stop
to these bold incursions, and made his dispositions accordingly.
the battle of bethel.*
On Thursday, the 6th of June, Colonel Hill, under orders
from Colonel Magruder, proceeded with the First North Caro-
lina Regiment to Big Bethel Church. This place is situated on
the Hampton road about thirteen miles from Yorktown-, some
eight miles from Hampton, and about the same distance from
Newport News. Major Randolph, with four pieces of artillery,
accompanied the expedition.
The march from Yorktown was accomplished by about dusk.
It was a trying one, as it was made in heavy marching order,
with knapsacks, haversacks, canteens, loaded cartridge-boxes,
often a Bible in the knapsack, and with a tin cup and an extra
pair of shoes dangling from either corner of this rather boxey
affair. The light marching order of Jackson's foot-cavalry was
as yet a sealed chapter of the regulations. A drizzling mist had
set in before dark, and it was the regiment's first experience at
cooking with ramrods and bivouacking without tents.
•There is no detailed account of the battle of Bethel in the offlcial records. Indeed,
General Butler (" War of the Eebellion," Vol. II, page 82) declares that it would serve no
useful purpose, liowever interesting such an account would be, to attempt to make it in
the abseuce of a " map of the ground and details." Endeavor has been made, therefore,
in this article, to construct such an account by a comparison of the various official reports
of both sides which have been published.
84 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
There was not even a hamlet about the church at that time^
and no doubt it is the same to-day — simply a grove beside and
on the west side- of the road, with a large, unpainted woodeu
country meeting-house standing in the midst of the grove and
facing the road. The regiment had traversed a sandy level up to
this point, but here the land falls oif to the southward and to
the right and left of the road, the depression on the right, back
of the church, being somewhat precipitous. A creek which forms
the headwaters of the northwest branch of Back River flows in
this depression, a branch of the creek coming through the ravine
back of the church. A flat wooden bridge carried the road over
'the creek, a hundred yards or so southeast of the church.
Some three miles beyond Big Bethel was Little Bethel Churchy
where our mounted pickets had an outpost.
The two maps* herewith illustrate the country adjacent to the
battlefield and the battlefield itself.
On the morning of the 7th, Colonel Hill made a reconnais-
sance of the ground with a view to fortifying it. He gives the
result in his official report as follows:
" I found a branch of Back River on our front, and encircling
our right flank. On our left was a dense and almost impassable
wood, except about one hundred and fifty yards of old field.
The breadth of the road, a thick wood, and narrow cultivated
field covered our rear. The nature of the ground determined me to
make an inclosed work, and I had the invaluable aid of Lieutenant-
Colonel Lee of my regiment in its plan and construction. Our posi-
tion had the inherent defect of being commanded by an immense
field immediately in front of it,t upon which the masses of the
enemy might be readily deployed. Presuming that an attempt
would be made to carry the bridge across the stream, a battery
*Upon map No. 1, of Plate No. XVIIl, of the atlases accompanying the Government's
publication, " War of the Rebellion," as a basis, an outline map has been prepared of so
much of the York Peninsula as may be useful for the present purpose. A map of the
battlefield of Bethel has also been prepared from a tracing of the original map made by
General Lewis (then Second Lieutenant of Company A) a few days after the battle. The
positions of the Federal troops have been located by a study of their oflJicial reports.
Those of tho Confederates are as given in Lieutenant Lewis's map, and are those' held
just before the opening of the battle. There were some important changes afterwards^
and these are noted in detail further on.
t Across the stream.
1. Ship Point,
2. Camp Payetteville (Cockletown).
8. Camp Eains.
The Bethel Eeg.iment. 85
was made for its especial protection, and Major Randolph
placed his guns so as to sweep all the approaches to it. The
O(?cupation of two commanding eminences beyond the creek and
on our right would have greatly strengthened our position, but
our force was too weak to admit of the occupation of more than
one of them. A battery was laid out on it for one of Ran-
dolph's howitzers."
There were but twenty-five spades, six axes and three picks in
possession of the command, but these were plied so vigorously
all day and night of the 7th and all day on the 8th that the work
began to show the outlines of a fortified camp.
On the afternoon of the 8th, Colonel Hill learned that a ma-
rauding party of the enemy was within a few miles of the camp,
and called for a detachment to drive them back. Lieutenant
Frank N. Roberts, of Company F, "promptly responded," says
Colonel Hill in his report, "and in five minutes his command
was en route."
Colonel Hill detached Major Randolph, with one howitzer, to
join them, and Lieutenant-Colonel Lee (of the First Regiment)
volunteered to take command of the whole. They came upon
the marauders, five miles off, "busy over the spoils of a plun-
dered house." A shell from the howitzer put them to flight.
Soon after information came that seventy-five marauders were
on the Back River road. Colonel Hill called upon Captain
McDowell's company. Company E, "and in three minutes it was
in hot pursuit." A howitzer was detached to join them, and
Major James H. Lane (of the First Regiment) volunteered to
command the whole. The marauders were encountered, after a
long march, near New -Market Bridge. Within sight of the
flags, at Hampton and hearing of the drums calling to arms.
Lane opened fire and drove the enemy across the bridge, wound-
ing a large number of the marauders and capturing one. Col-
onel Hill afterwards declared that the boldness of this attack,
made under the very guns of the enemy's chief camp, brought
on the battle of Bethel. As a result of this expedition, so the
86 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
citizens reported, two cart loads and one buggy load of dead
and wounded were taken into Hampton. None were hurt on
our side.
Colonel Magruder carue up the same evening and assumed
command. On the uext day (Sunday) a fresh supply of intrench-
ing tools enabled the men to make further progress on the works.
Colonel Hill says in his report : " We were aroused at 3 o'clock
on Monday morning* for a general advance upon the enemy,
and marched three and a half miles, when we learnedf that
the foe, in large force, was within a few hundred yards of us.
We fell back hastily upon our intrenchments, and awaited the
arrival of the invaders."
Meanwhile, information of the activity of our troops had
reached General Butler at Fortress Monroe. He organized a
force consisting of nearly all of seven infantry regiments and of
artillery sufficient for serving four gutis, which were carried with
the expedition. In his report to Lieutenant-General Scott he
says that his instructions to this force were "to drive them (the
rebels) back and destroy their camp" at Little Bethel. This
being accomplished, a couple of regiments were "to follow im-
mediately upon the heels of the fugitives, if they were enabled
to get off, and attack the battery on the road to Big Bethel while
covered by the fugitives."
General Butler's confidence was destined to receive a rude
shock. He had but recently left the Annapolis department,
where he would have become familiar with the circumstances of
the evacuation of Alexandria on May 6th, J and of the Confed-
erate disaster at Philippi, in Western Virginia, on June 3d.§
Prestige, so far, was decidedly against us, and General Butler's
expectation of the surprise and rout of our forces was not un-
natural. Prestige counts for much in war as in other human
affairs, and it was a matter of vast consequence upon which side
*June loth.
■fA purse of S225 was made up by the officers of the regiment after the battle and pre-
sented to the old lady who brought the information.
t" War of the Rebellion," Vol. II, pages 23-27.
llbid., pages G9-74,
The Bethel Regiment. 87
it should remain after the first serious shock of arms. Great as
was the responsibility, therefore, which fate and their own state
of preparedness had thrust upon our North Carolinians, they
were presently to exhibit a signal proof of their ability to
meet it.
General Butler laid his plans carefully.* Instructions were
given Brigadier-General Pierce, commanding at Hampton, to
send forward Colonel Duryea's Fifth New York Regiment
(Zouaves) at one o'clock on the morning of the 10th, by way of
New Market Bridge, and thence by a by-road to a point between
Little Bethel and Big Bethel, with the object of taking our out-
post there in the rear. Colonel Townsend's Third New York
Regiment, with a couple of mountain howitzers, was instructed
to support Duryea, marching about an hour later. At the same
time Colonel Phelps, commanding at Newport News, was directed
to send out a battalion under command of Lieutenaut-Colonel
Washburn in time to make a demonstration upon Little Bethel
in front, and to have him supported by Colonel Bendix's Sev-
enth New York Regiment with two field-pieces.
Washburn's Battalion was made up of three hundred men
from the First Vermont and three hundred men from Wash-
burn's own regiment, the Fourth Massachusetts. The two field-
pieces were of the Second United States Artillery (regulajs),
under command of Lieutenant Greble. The two mountain how-
itzers with Townsend were manned by a detachment from Col-
onel Carr's Second New York Regiment, " under the direction
of a non-commissioned officer and four privates of the United
States Army." The two supporting regiments, Townsend's and
Bendix's, were expected to effect a junction at the fork of the
road leading from Hampton to Newport News, about midway
between New Market Bridge and Little Bethel. The movement
was so timed that the attack on Little Bethel should be made at
daybreak. In case of failure .to surprise the outpost at Little
Bethel, General Pierce, if he thought it expedient, was directed
to attack the work at Big Bethel.
•" War of the RebelliOD," page 77 et seq.
88 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
In General Butler's "plan of operations" were instructions to
"Burn up both the Bethels. Blow up, if brick." Artillerists
to "handle the captured guns," and "spikes to spike them,"
were also to be provided.
Everything went according to the plan, up to a certain point.
Duryea and Washburn had arrived at the places assigned thena,
and Bendix's supporting regiment had arrived at the fork of the
road where the junction was to be made with Townsend. As
day dawned Townseud's Regiment, with General Pierce and his
aide-de-camp in advance, were within a hundred yards of Bendix's
position, when suddenly the latter opened upon Townsend's col-
umn with both artillery and musketry, killing two and wound-
ing nineteen, four of the latter being officers. General Pierce
says that he was on the point of ordering a charge upon the sup-
posed enemy when the mistake was discovered. Duryea and
Washburn, hearing the firing in their rear, "reversed their march,"
to use General Butler's expression, and joined their belligerent
reserves. Pierce held a council of war, decided to attack Bethel,
and sent to Butler for re-in forcemeats, who dispatched to him
Colonel Allen's First and Colonel Carr's Second New York
Regiments.
The enemy's forces, therefore, which were engaged against us
at i^ethel, may be summed up as follows:
First New York, Colonel Allen,*- . . 750
Second New York, Colonel Carr,* . . 750
(A detachment acting as artillerists).
Third New York, Colonel Townsend, . . 650
Fifth New York, Colonel Duryea, . . 850
Seventh New York, Colonel Bendix,* . . 750
First Vermont,! 300
Fourth Massachusetts,! .... 300
(Both under Lieutenant-Colonel Washburn).
Second U. S: Artillery, Greble's Detachment, say, 50
Total, 4,400
*Thi8 is the average of the known strength of Duryea's and Townsend's Regiments
IS given in Pierce's report, "War of the Rebellion," Vol. II, page 83. '
fBendix's report, Ibid.^ page 88.
The Bethel Regiment. 89
General, staff and couriers, and four guns.
General Pierce's General Order No. 12, given in his report,
also mentions Colonel McChesney's command as one of those
designated to be held in readiness along with Allen's and Carr's.
If also sent forward, that would swell the total to some 5,200.
While these proceedings were taking place with the enemy, the
First North Carolina Volunteers were hurrying forward, over
Lee's and Lane's familiar course, towards New Market Bridge.
It is certain that neither of the marching columns was aware of
the action of the other — the North Carolinians starting out from
Big Bethel at three o'clock in the morning, and Butler's army
from Hampton and Newport News at one o'clock and two
o'clock. Except for Bendix's daybreak fight and the consequent
delay, we should probably have come upon Duryea's and Wash-
burn's troops a little to the Yorktown side of Little Bethel.
Our forces as assembled for battle may be thus summarized:
First North Carolina Regiment, Colonel Hill, . 800
Three companies of the Third Virginia Regi-
ment, Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart,* . . 208
Three companies of Virginia troops. Major
Montague (estimated), . . . .150
Battalion of Virginia Artillery, Major Randolph
(estimated), . . . . . .150
Douthatt's, Phillips's and Jones's companies of
Virginia Cavalry (estimated), . . . 100
Total, 1,408
Randolph reports one rifled (iron) Parrott gun, three how-
itzers, and one rifled howitzer on the ground. He sent, besides,
one howitzer to the "Half- Way House," some three miles away,
and one howitzer had previously been posted "in the rear of the
road leading from the Half- Way House."
At nine o'clock the head of the enemy's column (Bendix's
Seventh New York) appeared in the road, half a mile away, and
♦Stuart's report, " War of the Rebellion," Vol. II, page 97.
90 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
soon they seemed to fill it. Who will forget that tremendous
moment, ushering in the war! A few minutes after nine o'clock
a shot from Eandolph's Parrot gun, aimed by himself, screamed
away at them. It hit the earth just in their front and ricocheted.*
They fell away from the road like a mist before the sun, their
artillery at once replied, and the battle began.
The positions of the several companies of the First North
Carolina Regiment at the opening of the battle, and their changes
of position during its progress, were as follows:
Company A, Captain Bridgers, was posted in the dense wood,
or swamp, beyond the works, beyond the creek, and to the left
of the road. They were deployed as skirmishers. When Brown's
howitzer was spiked and abandoned. Company A was transferred
to the right, where they attacked the enemy and recovered the
howitzer.
Company B, Lieutenant Owens, on the south face of the
works. From this position the company took part in the repulse
of the enemy^'s first attempt on our right and in the repulse of
Winthrop's attack.
Company C, Captain Ross, on the left of Company B, and
occupying the adjacent part of the east face of the works. After
the temporary capture by the enemy of Brown's abandoned how-
itzer, Company C was ordered (with Company A) to recapture
it. When this was done they were returned to their original posi-
tion, where they took part in the repulse of Winthrop's attack.
Company D, Captain Ashe, at the northeast angle of the
works.
Company E, Captain McDowell, on the north and northwest
faces of the works.
Company F, Captain Starr, in the woods to the north and left
of Company D's position, with exception of a detachment under
Lieutenant Roberts, stationed at a ford a mile below the bridge.
Company G, Captain Avery, was thrown beyond the stream,
to the right of the road, near an old mill-dam, where they took
part in the repulse of the enemy's first advance on our right.
*Bendix says in his report: "Before we had got ready for action the enemy opened
their Are upon us, striking one man down at my side at the first shot."
The Bethel Regiment. 91
Subsequently they were mover! forward to the support of the
howitzer which had replaced the spiked and abandoned one.
Company H, Captain Huske, on the west face of the works,
on the right (north) of Montague's Battalion. Shortly after the
fight began Company H was moved forward to the support of
the main battery (Randolph's), southeast of the church. When
Winthrop made his attack upon the southeast angle, half of the
company, under Lieutenants Cook and McKethan, were sent
thither by Colonel Magruder, where they took part in the
repulse of Winthrop.
Company I, Lieutenant Parker, on the right (north) of Com-
pany H's first position, and extending to the northwest angle of
the works. During the progress of the battle Company I was
deployed in front of its position in the works and remained thus
until it was over.
Company K, Captain Hoke, in the woods on the left (north)
of Company F. During the battle Company K was deployed
one hundred and fifty yards in front of its position, in anticipa-
tion of Winthrop's skirmishers striking there. Upon their fail-
ure to do this, it was withdrawn to its original position. At
the close of the battle Company K was sent forward, as described
further on.
Lieutenant- Colonel Stuart's three companies were stationed on
the hill to the extreme right, beyond the creek, where he com-
pleted the slight breastwork erected to protect his command.
Major Montague's three companies were stationed on the west
face of the works, back and northwest of the church. Upon
Stuart's retirement to this point, shortly after the action began,
Montague's command was ordered to a point a mile and a quarter
to the left. The enemy making no demonstration in that quar-
ter, they took no other part in the action.
Randolph's artillery was posted as follows: The Parrott gun
and one howitzer in the main battery on the right of the road,
near the front of the church; a howitzer under Captain Brown
in the battery erected on the right, beyond the ravine; a howitzer
near the bridge, on the right of the road; the rifled howitzer on
92 North Carolina Troops, 18 61-'65.
the left of the road, behind the right of the redoubt erected
there.*
The three coQipanies of cavalry (dismounted) were posted in
rear of the whole.f
A detachment of fifteen cadets from the North Carolina Mili-
tary Institute was posted beside the last mentioned howitzer.
How these dispositions for defense appeared to the attack-
ing party is revealed by their reports of the battle.
Captain Judson Kilpatrick, of Duryea's Fifth New York
(afterwards the cavalry general who had the interesting experi-
ence with Wheeler's Cavalry near Fayetteville in 1865), with two
companies of his regiment, acted as the enemy's advance guard.
He says that he drove in our pickets at eight o'clock, and
then made an "armed reaonnaissance" of our position and forces.
He was much impressed with what he saw. He "found the
enemy with about- from three to five thousand men posted in a
stroug position on the opposite side of the bridge, three earth-
works and a masked "battery on the right and left; in advance of
the stream thirty pieces of artillery and a large force of cavalry." J
General Butler's view, from Fortress Monroe, was different. He
reiterated in his report his conviction that we had not more than
a regiment during the battle, and that if his orders " to go ahead
with the bayonet," after the first volley, had been obeyed, the
"battery" would have been captured.
When within a mile of our position, General Pierce halted his
*The following is a summary of such portions of Major Randolph's i-eport as are useful
to the present purpose; The howitzer on the right (under Captain Brown) was spiked
early in the action by the breaking of a priming-wire, and was withdrawn. It was re-
placed near the close by Moseley's howitzer, brought up from the Half- Way House. The
ford on the left being threatened, the howitzer at the bridge was withdrawn and sent to
that point. The rifled howitzer was withdrawn from the left of the road and sent to the
rear when tliat was supposed to be threatened. The same disposition was subsequently
made of the howitzer in the main battery near the church, leaving only the Parrott gun
there. Randolph says in his report: "The fire was maintained on our side for sometime
by the five pieces posted in front"; but one of them being spilled and another sent to the
ford early in the' action, "the fire was continued with three pieces, and at no time did
we afterwards have more than three pieces playing upon the enemy." He reports ninety-
eight shot altogether fired by his artillery. As his first shot was shortly after nine o'clock
and his last at half past one o'clock, that would be an average of one in three minutes.
The three wounded in his battalion received their injury, in the words of his report,
"from the fire of musketry on Our left flank, the ground on that side between us and the
enemy sinking down so as to expose us over the top of the breastwork erected by the
North Carolina regiment." (The fire of musketry alluded to was from Winthrop's attaclt-
ing force).
fMagruder's report, " War of the Rebellion," Vol. II, page 91.
JKilpatrick's report, " War of the Rebellion," Vol. II, page 89.
The Bethel Regiment. 93
column, and thea, witliiu eight hundred yards of our works,
formed his troops in line of battle. Duryea's Fifth New York
was placed od the right (our left) of the road. Washburn's
Vermonters and Massachusetts men, after some preliminary
movements, were also sent to the right and placed in extension
of Duryea's line. Townsend's Third New York was formed on
the left (our right) of the road. Bendix's Seventh New York,
which had brought up the rear in the march from the scene of
his daybreak fusillade, was now ordered to the front.* The
head of his column was dispersed, as we have seen, by Randolph's
opening shot, after which, as Beudix reports, he did the best he
could "as skirmishers in the woods" (on our left), finally taking
position with Washburn's command. Bendix had one piece of
artillery with him when he first moved to the front. This seems
to have been joined by the three other pieces, when all were
served, under Greble's command, in or near the orchard to the
left (our right) of the road.
The first movement upon our lines was made by two com-
panies of Townsend's Regiment, advancing as skirmishers against
our right. They were promptly driven back by our artillery,
one of Stuart's companies, and companies B and G of the First
North Carolina.
Meanwhile, Duryea's and Washburn's troops, advancing against
our left, made several attempts to charge our works, but, were
prevented by the creek. f During these attempts they approached
the old ford below the bridge, where Colonel Hill had posted a
picket of some forty men under Lieutenant Roberts. This led
Colonel Magruder to re-inforce the latter with Werth's company
of Montague's Battalion and the howitzer at the bridge, which
latter drove back the enemy with one shot. J
Townsend now moved forward his whole regiment in line of
battle against our right, with one hundred of Duryea's Fifth
Regiment (Zouaves) as skirmishers on his right. In this forward
*Bendix's report, "War of the Rebellion," page 88.
tPieree's report. Ibid., Vol. II, page 85.
tWerth's report Ibid., page 103.
94 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
movement, TowDseDd reports that one of his companies (presum-
ably the one on his left flank) got separated from the rest of the
regiment by a "thickly- hedged ditch" (probably the ravine
mentioned in Stuart's report), but continued to march forward in
line with it. Captain Brown's gun having been disabled and
withdrawn some time before, Colonel Stuart reported to Colonel
Magruder the advance of this heavy force (which he estimated
at fifteen hundred, accompanied by artillery), and the advance,
also, of " a line of skirmishers down the ravine on my right,"
obscured from his own view but discovered by his scouts. He
was accordingly directed by Colonel Magruder to fall back to
the works occupied by Montague, back of the church, and the
whole of our advanced troops (that is, those across the creek, on
the right of the road) were withdrawn.
At this critical moment Colonel Hill called Captain Bridgers,
with his Company A, of the First North Carolina, out of the
swamp (on the left) and directed him to occupy the nearest ad-
vanced work (on the right of the road). He also ordered Cap-
tain Eoss, with his Company C, of the First North Carolina, to
the support of Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart. "These two captains,
with their companies," says Hill, "crossed over to Randolph's
battery, under a most heavy fire, in a most gallant manner. As
Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart had withdrawn. Captain Ross was
detained at the church, near Randolph's battery. Captain
Bridgers, however, crossed over and drove the Zouaves out of
the advanced howitzer battery, and re-occupied it. It is impos-
sible to overestimate this service. It decided the action in our
favor."
Of this decisive movement Colonel Magruder says in his
hasty report, made the same day:
"Whilst it might appear invidious to speak particularly of
any regiment or corpsj whefe all behaved so well, I am compelled
to express my great appreciation of the skill and gallantry of
Major Randolph and his howitzer battalion and Colonel Hill, the
officers and men of the North Carolina regiment. As an instance
The Bethel Regiment. 95
of the latter, I will merely mention that a gun under the gallant
Captain Brf)wn of the howitzer battery having been rendered
unfit for service by the breaking of a priming-wire in the vent,
Captain Brown threw it over a precipice, and the work was occu-
pied for a moment by the enemy. Captain Bridgers, of the
North Carolina regiment, in the most gallant manner, retook it
and held it until Captain Brown had replaced and put in posi-
tion another piece, and defended it with his infantry in the most
gallant manner. Colonel Hill's judicious and determined action
was worthy of his ancient glory."
In Colonel Magruder's second report, dated June 12th, he
again refers to the subject, saying:
"I cannot omit to again bring to the notice of the General
Commanding-in-Chief the valuable services and gallant conduct
of the First North Carolina Regiment and Major Randolph of
the howitzer batteries. These officers were not only prompt and
daring in the execution of their duties, but most industrious and
energetic in the preparations for the conflict. The firing of the
howitzer batteries was as perfect as the bearing of the men, which
was entirely what it ought to have been. Captain Bridgers, of
the North Carolina regiment, re-took in the most daring manner,
and at a critical period of the fight, the work from which
Captain Brown of the artillery had withdrawn a disabled gun
to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy, and which
work had been subsequently occupied by the enemy. Captain
Bridgers deserves the highest praise for this timely act of gal-
lantry."
Stuart was now sent back to his original position; he and
Captain Avery, with his Company G, of the First North Caro-
lina, drove off some skirmishers advancing through the orchard ;
and the enemy's operations ceased on that side of the road.
It is interesting to note that the same company of Townsend's
men who were separated from the rest of their regiment, and
were supposed by Stuart to be moving to outflank him, were
96 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
mistaken by Townsend for a flanking party from our side.
Townsend says, referring to this company of his regiment: "Upon
seeing among the breaks in the hedge the glistening bayonets in
the adjoining field, I immediately concluded that the enemy were
outflanking us, and conceived it to be my duty immediately to
retire and repel that advance. I resumed, therefore, my original
position on the left of Colonel Duryea. Shortly after all the
forces were directed to retire, the design of the reconnaissance
having been accomplished."
A very potent body of men that separated company proved
to be.
We were now as secure, says Colonel Hill, as at the beginning
of the fight, and as yet had no man killed. Foiled on our right
flank, the enemy now made his final efibrt upon our left. A
column consisting of Washburn's command of Vermont and
Massachusetts troops, led by Major Theodore Winthrop, of Gen-
eral Butler's staff^, crossed over the creek and appeared at the
angle on our left. They came on with a cheer, no doubt think-
ing that our work was open at the gorge and that they could
enter by a sudden rush. "Companies B and C, however," says
Colonel Hill, "dispelled the illusion by a cool, deliberate and
well directed fire. Colonel Magruder sent over portions of com-
panies G, C and H of my regiment to our support, and now
began as cool firing on our side as was ever witnessed. The
three field officers of the regiment were present, and but few
shots were fired without their permission. * * * They (the
men) were all in high glee, and seemed to enjoy it. * * *
Captain Winthrop, while most gallantly urging on his men, was
shot through the heart,* when all rushed back with the utmost
precipitation."
Major Theodore Winthrop, the officer referred to, was Gen-
eral Butler's acting military secretary, who represented General
Butler upon General Pierce's staff. He was of the old Massa-
*Private G. W. Buhman aad private Steve Kussell, of Company H (Fayettevillel pri-
vate Molver, of Company 0 (Charlotte), and Captain Ashe, Company D (Chapel Hill) for
his negro servant, claimed the firing of the fatal shot.
The Bethel Regiment. 97
chusetts family of Winthrop, but the son of Francis Bayard
Winthrop, of New Haven, Connecticut.
The fight at the angle lasted but twenty minutes. It seemed
to completely discourage the enemy, and he made no further
effort at assault. It is no doubt to this period that Colonel Ma-
gruder refers in his report when he sets the ending of the battle
at half past twelve o'clock, whereas Major Randolph says the
last shot was fired at half past one o'clock.
Meanwhile, Colonel Allen's First New York and Colonel
Carr's Second New York had come up. General Pierce threw
Allen's Regiment into the lane on his left which Townsend's
Third Regiment had occupied at the beginning of its advance,
and from which it had now retired ; and he placed Carr's Regi-
ment in the position which had been occupied by Duryea's Fifth
Regiment, now withdrawn. Under protection of this new line
the dead and wounded were ordered to be collected and carried
off. The retreat then began, Allen's and Carr's Regiments cov-
ering the rear.
The following extract from Major Randolph's report gives us
a glimpse of Alien's and Carr's Regiments as they arrived on the
field:
"After some intermission of the assault in front, a heavy col-
umn, apparently a re-inforcement, or reserve, made its appear-
ance on the Hampton road and pressed forward towards the
bridge, carrying the United States flag near the head of the
column. As the road had been clear for some time, and our
flanks and rear had been threatened, the howitzer in the main
battery* had been sent to the rear, and our fire did not at first
check them. I hurried a howitzer forward from the rear, loaded
it with canister and prepared to sweep the approach to the
bridge, but the fire of the Parrott gun again drove them back.
The howitzer brought from the Half- Way House by Lieutenant
Moseley arriving most opportunely, I carried it to the battery
on the right to replace the disabled piece. On getting there, I
*By the "main battery" Major Randolph means the one near the church, containing
the Parrott gan and a howitzer.
7
98 North Carolina Troops, 1861 -'65.
learned from the infantry that a small house in front was occu-
pied by sharp-shooters, and saw the body of a Carolinian lying
thirty yards in front of the battery, who had been killed in a
most gallant attempt to burn the house. I opened upon the
house with shell for the purpose of burning it, and the battery
of the enemy in the Hampton road being on the line with it,
and supposing probably that the fire was at them, immediately
returned it with solid shot. This disclosed their position, and
enabled me to fire at the house and at their battery at the same
time. After an exchange of five or six shots a shell entered a
window of the house, increased the fire already kindled, until it
soon broke out into a light blaze, and, as I have reason to be-
lieve, disabled one of the enemy's pieces. This was the last shot
fired.* They soon after retreated, and we saw no more of them."
Lieutenant John T. Greble, of the Second United States Ar-
tillery (regulars), was killed "by a cannon shot," says General
Butler, and General Pierce tells us that this occurred "just at
the close of the action." He was in command of the enemy's
artillery, and was regarded as an able as well as a gallant officer.
Captain Hoke, with his Company K, of the First North Caro-
lina, now advanced and explored the woods in front. Upon his
ascertaining that the road was clear, some one hundred dragoons,
under Captain Douthatt, pursued the enemy as far as New Mar-
ket Bridge, which the latter tore up behind hipi. "The enemy
in his haste," says Colonel Hill, "threw away hundreds of can-
teens, haversacks, overcoats, etc.; even the dead were thrown out
of the wagons," and "the pursuit soon became a chase."
THE TWO CRISES OP THE BATTLE.
It will be seen that there were two crises in the battle; one
when Bridgers made his brilliant charge and recaptured the
redoubt from which our troops had withdrawn upon the advance
of Townsend's Regiment and a portion of Duryea's; the other
*Elsewhere ia his report, " War of the Rebellion," Vol. II, page 99, Major Randolph
fixes the hour at which the cannonading ceased at half past one.
The Bethel Regiment. 99
when Company B, re-inforced by portions of Companies C, G
and H, repulsed "Winthrop's bold attack. It is probable that
the failure of either of these splendid efforts of the North Caro-
linians would have given victory to the enemy. The ordeal
which those companies underwent in running the gauntlet of the
enemy's concentrated fire, in passing in the open from the left to
the right and from the right to the left, was a trying one for
unseasoned troops, but from which not a man flinched.
A SUMMARY.
Summing up the achievements of his command, Colonel Hill
says: "There were not quite eight hundred of my regiment
engaged in the fight, and not one-half of these drew trigger
during the day. All remained manfully at the posts assigned
them, and not a man in the regiment behaved- badly. The com-
panies not engaged were as much exposed and rendered ecjual
service with those participating in the fight. They deserve
equally the thanks of the country. In fact, it is the most try-
ing ordeal to which soldiers can be subjected, to receive a fire
which their orders forbid them to return. Had a single com-
pany left its post our works would have been exposed ; and the
constancy and discipline of the unengaged companies cannot be
too highly commended. * * * j cannot speak in too high
terms of my two field officers, Lieutenant- Colonel Lee and Ma-
jor Lane. Their services have been of the highest importance
since taking the field to the present moment." In another part
of his report. Colonel Hill says: ''We had never more than
three hundred actively engaged at any one time" — meaning
troops of all arms.
For Colonel Hill's acknowledgments to his staff and to his
company officers and others in detail, the reader is referred to the
extract from his report given in the appendix to this article.
After the battle was over and the enemy had retreated, the
Louisiana regiment arrived, after a forced march from York-
town. On the other hand, as a set-off against this ex post facto
re-inforcement, it is worth recording that an associated press dis-
100 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65
patch, dated at Fortress Monroe, June 10th, stated that Colonel
McChesney's Regiment formed a reserve for General Pierce's
army, and also that Colonel Hawkins's Regiment had "moved
from Newport News" during the day.
Yorktown being exposed, the battlefield was occupied by
cavalry, and the i-emainder of the troops, including the Louisiana
regiment, were marched back to the former place the same night.
THE DEATH OF WYATT.
The body of the Carolinian whom Major Randolph saw lying
thirty yards in front of the recovered battery was that of private
Wyatt, of Captain Bridgers's Company A (Edgecombe Guards),
of the First North Carolina Regiment. When Bridgers recap-
tured the battery he found in his front the house mentioned by
Major Randolph, used as a shelter for the enemy's sharp-shooters^
as described. At Colonel Hill's suggestion, Captain Bridgers
called for five volunteers to burn it. Corporal George Williams
and privates Henry L. Wyatt, Thomas Fallon, John H. Thorpe
and R. H. Bradley responded. At once they leaped the works
and went on their dangerous mission. "They behaved with
great gallantry," says Colonel Hill in his reporb. On the way
Wyatt was killed, and the others were recalled.
Of Wyatt, Colonel Magruder's report says : " Too much praise
cannot be bestowed upon the heroic soldier whom we lost. He
was one of four who volunteered to set fire to a house in our front
which was thought to afford protection to our enemy, and advanc-
ing between the two fires, he fell midway, pierced in the fore-
head by a musket ball. Henry L. Wyatt is the name of this
brave soldier and devoted patriot. He was a member of the
brave and gallant First North Carolina Regiment."
In the Virginia volume of the "Confederate Military History,"
Major Jed Hotchkiss, its author, says: "It is generally admitted
that young Wyatt was the first Confederate soldier killed in action
in Virginia daring the civil war." As that was also the first
battle of the war, it may be recorded that Wyatt was the first
Confederate soldier killed in battle in that war.
"BETHEL" REGIMENT (FIRST VOLUNTEERS).
1. George Williams, Corporal, Co. A. 3. R. H. Bradley, Private, Co. A.
8. Henry L. Wyatt, Private, Co. A. (The 4. Jolin H. Tllorpe, Private, Co. A.
first Confederate soldier slain in bat-
tle, June 10, 1861, at Bethel.)
The Bethel Ebgiment. 101
Private John H. Thorpe, an honor graduate of the University
of North Carolina, one of the four companions of Wyatt, after-
wards a captain in the Forty-seventh Rgiment, thus describes the
death of Wyatt :
" When we got there [the redoubt] I saw a Zouave regiment
of the enemy in line of battle about three hundred yards away.
Our boys popped away at them, but the fire was not returned.
Then, in good order, they marched away down the New Market
road. Probably the order to retreat had been given the whole
Federal army. A few minutes later Colonel Hill, passing from
our right through the company, said: 'Captain Bridgers, can't
you have that house burned?' and immediately went on. Cap-
tain Bridgers asked if five of the company would volunteer to
burn it, suggesting that one of the number should be an officer.
Corporal George T. Williams said he would be the officer and
four others said they would go. Matches and a hatchet were
provided at once, and a minute later the little party scrambled
over the breastworks in the following order: George T. Wil-
liams, Thomas Fallon, John H. Thorpe, Henry L. Wyatt and
R. H. Bradley. A volley was fired at us as if by a company,
not from the house, but from the road to our left. As we were
well drilled in skirmishing, all of us instantly dropped to the
ground, Wyatt mortally wounded. He never uttered a word or
a groan, but lay limp on his back, his arms extended, one knee
up and a clot of blood on his forehead as large as a man's fist.
He was lying within four feet of me, and this is the way I saw
him. * * * To look at Wyatt one would take him to be
tenacious of life; low, but robust in build, guileless, open, frank,
aggressive."
Wyatt's body was soon taken off the field by his comrades,
who carried him to Yorktown the same night, where he died.
He had apparently not recovered consciousness from the time
he was struck. His body was carried to Richmond the next
dav, where he was buried with military honors from the Rev-
erend Mr. Duncan's church.
102 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Camps were named for Wyatt during the war; his portrait
has been placed in the State Library at Raleigh; and his memory,
as well as that of the First Regiment, is perpetuated in the in-
scription: "First at Bethel; last at Appomattox!" cut upon the
Confederate Monument in front of the Capitol.
Henry Lawson Wyatt was a son of Isham and Lucinda Wyatt,
of Tarboro. He was twenty years of age at his death. His
parents had moved to Tarboro in 1856 from Pitt county, though
he was born during their early residence in Richmond, Va.
IMPORTANCE OP THE BATTLE OP BETHEL.
The battle of Bethel was but a small afikir in itself, if we
compare it with the sanguinary conflicts between vast bodies of
men of which it was the precursor. But it made a profound
impression upon the country, raising the enthusiasm of the South
to the highest pitch,* repressing disaffection there, and at the
same time chilling the ardor of their adversaries at the North.
It was the cause of crimination and recrimination between the
Federal officers engaged and responsible for it, and their several
adherents. Loud calls were made in the Northern press for the
removal of General Butler, notwithstanding the placatory assur-
ances, in anticipation, which his official reports contained. Among
the latter were the declarations that " we have gained much more
than we have lost," and that "while the advance upon the bat-
tery and the capture of it might have added eclat to the occasion,
it would not have added to its substantial results." The chief
of these appears to have been that "our troops have learned to
have confidence in themselves under fire." The New York
Tribune declared that the President would do well to make peace
with the Confederacy at once, if he was not willing to send gen-
erals into Virginia who were " up to their work." The Herald,
*An illustration is presented by the experienoeof Lieutenant W.E. Kyle (commander
of sharp-shooters in General iVToRae's Brigade), who was a private in Company H. After
the battle of Bethel he wrote of the victory to his relatives in Christiansburg Va. his
native place. The fact that this native of Virginia had been able to take part in winning
a victory over the invaders of Virginia, because he had become a citizen of North Carolina
and a member of a North Carolina regiment, excited the emulation of the youth of his
old home to such an extent that great numbers, who had held back, hastened to enter
the service.
The Bethel Regiment. 103
which sustained General Butler as "evidently the right man in
the right place," said that the Confederates had at Bethel "six
batteries of rifled cannon and sixty-eight twelve-pound howit-
zers," and enough men to admit of the capture (there or there-
abouts) of " twelve thousand prisoners." The Charleston (S. C.)
Courier of June 17th contained this: "By a letter received in
this city yesterday, we learn that a great reaction has taken place
among the moneyed men of New York and Boston, and that
petitions are now circulating to be laid before Congress, asking
the peaceful recognition of the Southern Confederacy and the
establishment of amicable relations by friendly treaties. The
petitions set forth that unless the war is brought to a close very
speedily New York and Boston are ruined cities."
In the South, on the other hand, the result was hailed as an
augury of the early triumph of the Confederacy, which had thus
demonstrated its ability to overcome four times its numerical
strength on the battlefield — a disproportion almost exactly repre-
senting the relative populations of the two sections.
In the Virginia Convention, on the 17th of June, Mr. Tyler
(ex-President of the United States) submitted a series of reso-
lutions, which were unanimously adopted, eulogizing Magruder,
Hill and their officers and men for the recent brilliant victory at
Bethel Church. Mr. Tyler followed the reading of his resolu-
tions in a speech of great eloquence and force. There was, he
said, but one instance on the whole page of history that could
be cited as a parallel to the victory at Bethel Church — that was
the battle and the victory of Buena Vista, "where the, gallant
Davis, now our President, with his Mississippi regiment, and
the invincible Bragg, with his grape and canister, turned the
fortunes of the day and routed an enemy of about five to one."
The Richmond Dispatch said: "It is one of the most extraor-
dinary victories in the annals of war. Four thousand thoroughly
drilled and equipped troops routed and driven from the field by
only eleven hundred men. Two hundred of the enemy killed,
and on our side but one life lost. Does not the hand of God
seem manifest in this thing? * * * The courage and con-
104 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
duct of the noble sons of the South engaged in this battle are
beyond all praise. They have crowned the name of their country
with imperishable lustre and made their own names immortal.
With odds of four to one against them, they have achieved a
complete victory, putting their enemy to inglorious flight, and
giving to the world a brilliant pledge of the manner in which
the South can defend its firesides and altars."
The Richmond Whig said: "The rush, the dash, the elan of
our boys was, however, the great and distinguishing feature of
the affair. Cool and determined as Bonaparte's veterans, they
pitched into the fight with the gaiety of school-boys into a game
of ball. They have taken the step which is the augury and
earnest of victory. Their dashing bearing, in the face of four
times their number, will inspire a spirit of emulation among all
our forces, and lead to the rout of the invaders wherever they
show themselves."
Nor was there any disposition to withhold credit from North
Carolina as the chief actor in the great achievement. The press
of the capital Slate was" lavish in its praise of our regiment.
Said the Petersburg Express: "All hail to the brave sons of the
Old North State, whom Providence seems to have thrust forward
in the first pitched battle on Virginia soil in behalf of Southern
rights and independence."
Said the Richmond Whig: "The North Carolina regiment
covered itself with glory at the battle of Bethel."
Said the Richmond Examiner, the leading paper of the Con-
federacy: "Honor those to whom honor is due. All our troops
appear to have behaved nobly at Bethel, but the honors of the
day are clearly due to the splendid regiment of North Carolina,
whose charge of bayonets decided it, and presaged their conduct
on many a more important field. Virginia's solemn sister is
justly jealous of glory; her simple, honest, courageous popula-
tion are weary of the grand silence of their forests of pine ; they
have come out to fight with a deep determination to make their
mark, which both friends and foes have yet to fathom. Of this
occasion North Carolina may be content. No forced praise and
The Bethel Regiment. 105
empty compliments are necessary now ; for every statement of
the facts, made no matter by whom, or how, brings out the steady
valor and decisive action of her sons and representatives in a light
too clear to leave any place for error, or cause for regret, except
that the foe neither would nor could await their advancing line
of steel."
In our own State, Governor Ellis promptly recommended to
the Convention that Colonel Hill, the commander of the North
Carolina Troops, be promoted to the rank of Brigadier, and that
a full brigade be formed and placed under his command.
In the Convention, on June 15th, Mr. Venable offered a reso-
lution, which was unanimously passed, as follows :
"Resolved, That this Convention, appreciating the valor and
good conduct of the ofiScers and men of the First Regiment North
Carolina Volunteers, do, as a testimony of the same, authorize
the said regiment to inscribe the word ' Bethel ' upon their
banner."
CASUALTIES IN THE BATTLE -OF BETHEL.
There appears to have been no regular return made by Colonel
Magruder of th'C losses sustained on our side. The following is
a summary compiled from the reports of the commanders of the
several bodies of Confederate troops engaged or on the ground :
Command. Killed. Wounded. Total.
Hill's First North Carolina Regiment, 16 7
Randolph's (Virginia) Howitzer Bat-
talion, 3 3
Stuart's three companies of the Third
Virginia Regiment,
Montague's three companies,
The three companies of Virginia
Cavalry,
Grand total, 1 9 10
106
North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
The names of these ten are as follows :
First North Carolina. — Henry L. Wyatt, private, Company
A, mortally wounded; Lieutenant J. W. Ratchford, aide-de-camp
to Colonel Hill, wounded; Council Rodgers, private, Company A,
severely wounded; Charles AVilliams, private, Company A,
severely wounded; S. Patterson, private. Company D, slightly
wounded; William AVhite, private. Company K, wounded ; Peter
Poteat, private. Company G, slightly wounded.
Randolph! s Howitzers. — Lieutenant Hudnall (commanding the
howitzer in Hill's lines on the left of the road), wounded; H. C.
Shook, private under Hudnall, wounded ; Johu Worth, private
under Hudnall, wounded.
The tabulated report of the Federal losses which General But-
ler gave in his report to Lieutenant-General Scott, dated June
16th (that being the only one which appears printed in any of
the Federal reports), is as follows :
CASUALTIES IN THE UNITED STATES FORCES AT BIG
BETHEL, JUNE 10, 1861.
C'omma//*s\
Killed.
Wounded.
Missing.
Aggregate
Staff,
1
.. ■
. ••
1*
Infantry,
Fourth Massachusetts,
1
1
First New York, . . .
2
1
3
Second New York,
2
1
3
Third New York, . . .
2
27
1
30
Fifth New York, . .
6
13
19
Seventh New York, . .
3
7
2
12
First Vermont, . . .
2
3
1
6
Second United States Ar-
tillery,
1
1*
Total, ....
18
53
5t
76
*The staff officer killed was Major Theodore Winthrop. Lieutenant John T. Greble
(Second United States Artillery) was also among the slain.
■j-Colonel Magruder's report gives three as the number of pri3oners taken by us.
The Bethel Regiment. 107
In Colonel Magruder's second report (June 12th) occurs this:
"I have now to report that eighteen [Federal] dead were found
on the field, and I learn from reliable citizens living 6n the road
that many dead, as well as a great many wounded, were carried
in wagons to Harapton. I think I can safely report their loss
at from twenty-five to thirty killed and one hundred and fifty
wounded. I understand the enemy acknowledge one hundred
and seventy-five killed and wounded."
Colonel Hill's report says: "The enemy must have lost some
three hundred. I could not, without great disparagement of
their courage, place their loss at a lower figure. It is inconceiv-
able that five thousand men should make so precipitate a retreat
without having sustained at least that much of a reverse."
General Pierce, commanding the Federal troops, says in his
report* of June 12th to General Butler: "For killed, wounded
and missing, please refer to my former report."
The " War of the Rebellion" records, from which the reports
quoted in this article are derived, contain but one report from
General Pierce, that of June 12th.
General Butler's first report, dated June 10th, says: "I am
informed by him [Geiieral Pierce] that the dead and wounded
had all been brought off." He adds: "Our loss is very consid-
erable, amounting, perhaps, to forty or fifty, a quarter part of
which, you will see, was from the unfortunate mistake, to call
it by no worse name, of Colonel Bendix."
General Butler's second report, dated June 16th, says: "It is
a pleasure to be able to announce that our loss was much less
even than was reported iu my former dispatch, and appears by
the official report furnished herewith."* He adds: "I have been
very careful to procure an accurate account of the dead, wounded
and missing, in order that I may assure those friends who are
anxious for the safety of our soldiers and an exact account may
be given of all those injured. There is nothing to be gained by
any concealment in this regard. The exact truth, which is to
»The inclosure is the tabulated return given above, showing eighteen killed, fifty-
three wounded and five missing.
108 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
be stated at all times, if anything is stated, is especially neces-
sary on such occasions." No reason is given by General Butler
for inchiding in his report this protest against concealment of
the truth.*
As will be observed, the reports are contradictory. Colo-
nel Magruder, after duly ascertaining the number of their
dead left by the enemy and found by our men upon the field,
stated that there were eighteen. General Pierce informed Gen-
eral Butler that " the dead and wounded had all been brought
off." Again: General Butler's first report set the losses' at,
"perhaps, forty or fifty." His second report announced that
the loss (given therein at. seventy-six) was much less than in the
former dispatch — that is, less than forty or fifty. Taking the
statements quoted altogether, it would seem that Colonel Hill's
chivalric method of estimating the enemy's losses for him»is the
more satisfactory.
ARMS IN USE AT BETHEL.
In studying the battle of Bethel, the fact must not be lost sight
of that the weapons used were different from those of the pres-
ent day. Otherwise we should be unable to comprehend the
statement in General Pierce's report that he formed his line of
battle, apparently with a sense of security, at only eight hundred
paces from our works, or the statement in Major Randolph's
report that the advance guard of the enemy remained for ten or
fifteen minutes at a distance of "about six hundred yards in front
of our main battery" before fire was opened upon them.
Although that was less than forty years ago, it is a fact that
the theory of the instantaneous explosion of gunpowder still
prevailed ; Armstrong had not invented his gun-jackets of
wrought iron coils; and the rifled Parrott which played such an
*The associated press accounts of Jane loth, published in the Northern papers, said :
"This has been an exciting and sorrowful day at Old Point Comfort." The same papers
contained a letter dated the same evening from Old Point, which said: "It has been
ascertained that there were one hundred killed and two hundred wounded. And even
now it is thought from the scenes witnessed at Portress Monroe that the battle was far
more sanguinary in its effects than the latter version would indicate. They are still
bringing in the killed and wounded by boats and other conveyances, as I close this let-
ter." The Baltimore Sun learned from a passenger on the boat from Old Point that "the
number of killed and wounded was estimated at Fortress iVIonroe at one thousand at least.
The fire of the Confederates was extraordinarily fatal."
The Bethel Eegiment. 109
important part in the artillery fire at Bethel was merely cast-iron.
The small arms which were used with such deadly effect by
Companies A, B, C, G and H, of the North Carolina' regiment,
were either smooth-bore Springfield muskets, carrying a round
ball weighing an ounce, or " buck and ball," or they were rifles
that carried a round bullet quite as innocent as the musket ball
of pointed tips and hollow-coned bases. It is tVue that French
chasseurs were armed with a rifle throwing an elongated ball
with a hollow-coned base as far back as 1840, or thereabouts,
and that Captain Minie had improved this by adding an iron
cup to fit into the cone, and that the English had substituted a
wooden plug for Minie's cup in their Enfield rifle of 1855. But
we are not a military people, and, in peace, have rarely, if ever,
as a government, kept abreast of the other civilized nations in
improved arms, though teaching them many lessons during war.
There is no reason to believe that at the outbreak of the war of
1861 the stock of arms owned by the United States was different
at any of their arsenals from those found in the Fayetteville
Arsenal, which were of the kind referred to above.
We find Governor Ellis, on the 25th of May, 1861, notifying
President Davis that thirty-seven thousand stand of arms in the
Fayetteville Arsenal (of the kind referred to) were at his dis-
posal, and we find General Butler, on the 27th of May, in his
report to General Scott,* appealing to the latter to send him more
ammunition, especially "buck and ball," suitable to the smooth-
bore musket, with which "the major part of my command is
provided." Again, in General Pierce's reportf of Butler's "plan
of operations" for the Bethel expedition, we find this item:
"Duryea to have the two hundred rifles; he will pick the men
to whom they are intrusted." Indeed, the papers of the day
ridiculed the talk about "improved arms," declaring that it was
the men (the man behind the gun, we call it now) which was the
important thing. J
Major Randolph reports that his navy howitzers were mounted
•" War of the Rebellion," Vol. II, page 63.
'flbid.^ page S3.
tRiohmond Dispatch, June, 1861.
no North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
upon the running-gear of ordinary wagons, thus seriously inter-
fering with their turning in the ordinary road, and that the fuses
for his most effective piece, the rifled Parrott, were already cut,
and for nothing less than four seconds, too great an interval for
the distance between the opposing forces at Bethel. The enemy's
equipment was no doubt more complete, but, with the exception
of the defects noted by Major Randolph as above, there is no
reason to believe that either side had the advantage in arms. All
the armies at that period were armed with muzzle-loaders, except
that of the Prussians, who had adopted, a couple of decades before,
a needle-gun, then so clumsy and defective that no other nation
followed her example. It was 1864 before the Spencer maga-
zine rifle made its appearance in our war (in the hands of Sheri-
dan's command). It was not until the same year that the gen-
eral adoption of breech-loaders was even so much as recom-
mended for the British army; and Sadowa, which humbled
Austria, and made the German empire possible because the
Prussians used their needle-guns and the Austrians their muzzle-
loaders, was not fought until 1866. Indeed, it was nearly the
close of the campaign of 1864 before our engineer officers began
to recognize the change required in field defenses by the use of
such long-range weapons as we then possessed. These were
chiefly the Enfield rifle, which had come into use by us some
thirty months before.
After the battle of Bethel two more companies were assigned
to the regiment, as follows:
Company L— Bertie county — Captain, Jesse C. Jacocks ; First
Lieutenant, Stark A. Sutton; Second Lieutenant, Francis W.
Bird; Junior Second Lieutenant, J. J. Speller.
Company M— Chowan county— Captain, J. K. Marshall;
First Lieutenant, (Dr.) Llewellen Warren ; Second Lieutenant,
E. J. Small; Junior Second Lieutenant, Thomas Capehart.
The Bethel Regiment. Ill
PROMOTION OF COLONEL HILL AND CLOSING SERVICE
OF THE REGIMENT.
The history of the First Regiment from this time until the
date set for its muster out of service, November 13th, was un-
eventfuly It changed its camp a number of times, and it Sid a
great deal of drilling, digging and other work on fortifications —
uncongenial labor for the kind of men who composed its ranks,
but performed cheerfully and without murmuring.
On the 22d of August the regiment was moved from York-
town to Ship Point, a place some eight miles distant, uear the
. mouth of Poquosin River, and facing the Chesapeake. On the
3d of September an election was held for a successor to Colonel
Hill, who had just been promoted (September 1st) to be Briga-
dier-General. Lieutenant-Colonel Charles C. Lee was elected
Colonel; Major James H. Lane, Lieutenant-Colonel; and Lieu-
tenant Robert F. Hoke, of Company K, Major. "The new Ma-
jor was Second Lieutenant of his company, and had been com-
mended by Colonel Hill, in his report of the battle of Bethel,
for "great zeal, energy and judgment as an engineer officer on
various occasions." He was. a native of Lincolnton, and was
educated at the Kentucky Military Institute.
Hill was generally regarded as the officer entitled to the chief
credit for the victory at Bethel. Indeed, Major Randolph, in
his admirable report to Colonel Magruder of the operations of
his artillery, made occasion to say: " I am happy at having an
opportunity to render my acknowledgments to Colonel Hill, the
commandant of the North Carolina regiment, for the useful sug-
gestions which his ^perience as an artillery officer enabled him
to make to me during the action, and to bear testimony to the
gallantry and discipline of that portion of his command with
which I was associated. The untiring industry of his regiment
in intrenching our position enabled us to defeat the enemy with
a nominal loss on our side." An officer of the regiment* says,
as a matter within his knowledge, that it was dne to Colonel
•Lieutenant J. A. Pemberton, of Company F.
112 The Bethel Regiment.
Hill that the stand against Pierce's advancing army was made
at the strong position (which Hill had intrenched) on the York-
town side of the creek instead of on the Hampton side. Never-
theless, Magruder, as the ranking officer, was made a brigadier-
general on the 17th of June. North Carolina was still the
Bceotia which unfriendly critics had pictured her in the period
of agitation preceding the war; and we find that in January,
1862, out of a list* of ninety-three general officers of the Con-
federate army, but six (Holmes, Hill, Loring, Gatlin, Rains and
Branch) were accredited to North Carolina. Of the five full
generals, none were from that State; of the fourteen major-
generals, five were ahead of Holmes, our only one; and of the
seventy-four brigadiers, twenty-one appear ahead of Hill, the
first North Carolinian in the list. Nevertheless, North Caro-
lina had so many more troops in the field at that time than
her proportion, as compared with several other States, that in
the call for troops made by the Confederate Government in
February, 1862, her quota was less than half that of the others.f
Once in the national arena. General Hill rose to great distinc-
tion. He became a major-general in the course of a few months
and lieutenant-general in July, 1863.
On the 6th of September, after having thoroughly fortified
Ship Point, the regiment was moved to Cocklestown, six miles
distant from Yorktown and nine miles from Bethel. On the
9th of September, Mr. John W. Baker, Jr., presented a flag to
the regiment in behalf of the ladies of Fayetteville, in whose
honor the camp was then named "Camp Fayetteville." Upon
the flag the word "Bethel" was inscribed, in accordance with
the resolution of the State Convention.
On the 21st of September, Lieutenant-Colonel Lane was elected
Colonel of the Twenty-eighth Regiment, then being organized
at High Point. An election for Lieutenant-Colonel to fill the
vacancy resulted in the election of Captain Joseph B. Starr, of
Company F. The new Lieutenant-Colonel was a native of Fay-
*Oharlestoa (S. C.) Courier.
tFayetteville Observer, February 24, 18C2.
The Bethel Regiment. 113
etteville; educated at Middletown Academy, Counecticut; an
adventurous visitor to California at the age of seventeen, and a
prosperous wholesale merchant in his native town at the outbreak
of the war. He was described at the time as "a rigid disciplin-
arian, but loved and respected by his company."
The field officers were now as follows: Colonel, Charles C.
Lee; Lieutenant-Colonel, Joseph B. Starr; Major, Robert F.
Hoke. In addition to the staff officers named in the first part
of this article, J. B. F. Boone had become Quartermaster, and
after him. Lieutenant R. B. Saunders, of Company D.
Changes were made in the company officers as follows:
Company A — After the battle of Bethel, Captain Bridgers
was made Lieutenant-Colonel of Heavy Ai^tiHery (Tenth Regi-
ment North Carolina Troops), though resigning shortly after-
wards. On the ,7th of September, First Lieutenant Whitmel
P. Lloyd was made Captain; Junior Second Lieutenant W. G.
Lewis was made First Lieutenant, and Kenneth Thigpen, Junior
Second Lieutenant.
Company B — Captain "Williams was appointed by the Sec-
retary of the Treasury Produce Loan Agent for North Carolina,
and resigned. First Lieutenant Owens became Captain, the
other Lieutenants went up one grade, and Junius French became
Junior Second Lieutenant.
Company F — An election was held on September 30th to
supply the vacancy caused by the promotion of Captain Starr.
The next three officers went up one grade each, and Orderly
Sergeant Benjamin Rush, Jr., was elected Junior Second Lieu-
tenant.
Company G — Second Lieutenant John A. Dickson died of
pneumonia shortly before the regiment was disbanded, and Cor-
poral M. D. Arrafield was elected to succeed him.
Company I — Captain Bell resigned August 31, 1861. Sec-
ond Lieutenant Francis M. Parker was elected to succeed him
and Carr B. Corbett was elected Junior Second Lieutenant. On
the 16th of October, Captain Parker was elected Colonel of the
8
114 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Thirtieth Regiment, and First Lieutenant M. T. Whitaker be-
came Captain.
Company K — Upon the promotion, on September 3d, of Sec-
ond Lieutenant E. F. Hoke to be Major, Orderly Sergeant Wil-
liam R. Edwards became Junior Second Lieutenant. Subse-
quently Second Lieutenant Sumner appears to have resigned,*
when Lieutenant Edwards became Second Lieutenant, and Ser-
geant Albert Sidney Haynes succeeded him as Junior Second
Lieutenant.
There were no changes in the other companies.
While the regiment was at Camp Fayetteville, in September,
a meeting of the officers was held, of which Captain C. M. Avery
was chairman and Lieutenant Richardson Mallett was secretary,
to protest against a proposition to change the name of the regi-
ment. The proceedings of the meeting will be found in the
appendix to this article.
On the 8th of October the regiment was moved to Camp Rains,
four miles distant from Camp Fayetteville ; on the 20th to Bethel
Church; on the 24th to Yorktown; on the 25th back to Bethel
Church; and on the 1st of November to Yorktown. On the 8th,
9th and 11th of November detachments of four companies each
left Yorktown for Richmond, where the regiment was mustered
out of service on the 12th, and returned to North Carolina by
the 13th.
STRENGTH OF THE REGIMENT.
Moore's "Roster" gives one thousand one hundred and thirty-
six as the total number of officers and men in the "Bethel Regi-
ment." There must have been many more than that, for there
were twelve companies in it, and the newspapers of the day
reported the ranks as being very full. The records of the Fay-
etteville Independent Light Infantry, which served as Company
H of this regiment, show one hundred and nineteen as the num-
ber serving in that company, whereas the "Roster" gives the names
of but one hundred and five. The same rate of error in the rest
*Southern Historical Society's Papers, Vol. XVIII, page 64.
The Bethel Eegiment. 115
of the regiment would give a total of one thousand two hundred
and eighty-seven.
A TRAINING SCHOOL FOR OFFICERS.
The First Regiment has been described as a nursery or train-
ing school for officers. Two circumstances, the one growing out
of the other, made it so, viz.: its unique personnel and its short
term of service. The companies composing it had volunteered
immediately upon the receipt of Mr. Lincoln's proclamation and
for the long term of service prescribed by the existing State law.
But the State authorities limited its service to six months,* a pro-
ceeding due, it is believed, to their recognition of the remark-
able character of its rank and file. How far the view described
was justified by the result will appear from the subjoined list of
members of the First Regiment who became commissioned offi-
cers in other commands of the Confederate service. As will be
seen, four of them were general officers. Hill, as already stated,
reached that rank in September, 1861; Lane attained it in No-
vember, 1862; Hoke in January, 1863; and Lewis in the summer
of 1864.
Upon Colonel Hill's promotion. Major Lane received a com-
plimentary vote for Colonel and almost a unanimous vote for
Lieutenant-Colonel. When he was elected Colonel of the Twen-
ty-eighth Regiment, the First Regiment presented to him a sword
of honor and other valuable testimonials. He was described by
the press of the day as "deservedly the most popular man, per-
haps, in the regiment." He distinguished himself at Hanover
Court House, in 1862, in extricating his regiment when cut oiF
by the overwhelming force of Fitz John Porter, and was praised
by General Lee therefor. Upon the death of General Branch
at Sharpsburg he was urged by Stonewall Jackson for promotion
to Brigadier-General. When appointed to that rank, six weeks
afterwards, he was but twenty-seven years of age, being then
the youngest general officer in the service. His brigade of North
•Adjutant-General to Colonel Hill, April 19, 1861.
116 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-'65. .
Carolinians became one of the most famous in military history.
At Spottsylvania, when Hancock overran Johnson's Division
and took the right wing of Lee's army in rear and enfilade.
Lane's promptness and military genius and the discipline and
courage of his brigade stayed the victorious host and threw them
back upon their reserves. He was, in the campaigns of 1864
and 1865, the senior brigadier of the "Light Division" of the
Army of Northern Virginia. Except for the sudden opening
of the campaign of 1865 earlier than was expected, he would,
it was understood, have received the rauk, which he had long
before won, of, a division commander.
At the outbreak of the war, when the junior officers were in
the habit of drilling their squads in the streets about the Capitol
Square in Raleigh, the late Mr. Badger took great interest in
watching them from his residence. He singled out young Hoke,,
the Second Lieutenant of the Lincoln company, as the likeliest
of them all, and often said that he was destined to high com-
mand. He became Major of the First Regiment in September,
as we have seen. After the disbandment of the regiment he
was appointed Major of Colonel Branch's Regiment, which was
just then being organized, and which became the Thirty-third.
Upon Branch's promotion in January, 1862, he was promoted
to be Lieutenant-Colonel. Colonel Avery having been captured
at New Bern, Lieutenant-Colonel Hoke commanded the regiment
in the battles about Richmond in 1862. He was promoted to
be Colonel, and took part in the Second Manassas and Sharps-
burg campaigns. Upon Colonel Avery's return, he was assigned
to the command of the Twenty-first Regiment, of Trimble's
Brigade. This brigade he commanded in the battle of Fred-
ericksburg with such notable skill that he was appointed Briga-
dier-General in the succeeding January (1863). On the 17th
of April, 1864, he won fame by the capture of the fortified town
of Plymouth and three thousand prisoners. Congress voted him-
a resolution of thanks, and he was appointed a Major-General,.
with rank from the date of his victory.
Upon the organization of the First Regiment, William G.
The Bethel Regiment. 117
Lewis was Junior Second Lieutenant of Company A. Upon its
disband ment he had risen to First Lieutenant. On the 17th of
January, 1862, he was appointed Major of the Thirty-third Regi-
ment; on the 26th of April, 1862, he was promoted to be Lieu-
tenant-Colonel of the Forty-third Regiment; for his services at
the siege of Plymouth, 1864, he was promoted to be Colonel;
and for his services in Beauregard's campaign against Butler,
shortly after, when he commanded Hoke's old brigade, he was
promoted to be Brigadier-General. He participated in Early's
victorious march down the Shenandoah Valley to Washington
and in the subsequent battles with Sheridan. In the retreat
from Petersburg, in a desperate fight of the rearguard at Farm-
ville, two days before the surrender at Appomattox, he was
severely wounded and taken prisoner. This gallant officer par-
ticipated in thirty-seven battles and heavy skirmishes.
officers contributed to other commands in the
confederate service.
GENERAL OFFICEES.
Daniel H. Hill, Lieutenant-General, P. A. C. S.; Robert F.
Hoke, Major-General^ P. A. C. S.; James H. Lane, Brigadier-
Oeneral, P. A. C. S.; William Gaston Lewis, Brigadier-General,
P. A. C. S.
OFFICERS OF THE GENERAL STAFF.
J. W. Ratchford, Major, A. A. General, P. A. C. S.; E. J.
Hale, Jr., Major, A. A. General, P. A. C. 8.; J. C. MacRae,
Captain, General L. S. Baker's Staff (also Major of Battalion in
Western North Carolina); Charles W. Broadfoot, First Lieuten-
ant, A. D. C. to General T. H. Holmes (also Lieutenant-Colonel
First Regiment Junior Reserves); Theo. F. Davidson, Lieuten-
ant, A. D. C. to General R. B. Vance; Thomas J. Moore, Lieu-
tenant, Artillery Officer to (general D. H. Hill.
Surgeon Peter E. Hines, a distinguished physician, became
Medical Director of the Department of Petersburg, and then,
by authority of the Secretary of War, was appointed Medical
Director of the General Hospitals of North Carolina.
118 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
REGIMENTAL AND BATTALION OFFICERS.*
Colonels — James H. Lane, Twenty-eighth Regiment; Fran-
cis M. Parker, Thirtieth; Charles C. Lee, Thirty-seventh; Clark
M. Avery, Thirty-third; William J. Hoke, Thirty-eighth; James
K. Marshall, Fifty-second; William A. Owens, Fifty-third;
Eobert F. Hoke, Twenty-first; James C. S. McDowell, Fifty-
fourth; Hector McKethan, Fifty-first; Washington M. Hardy,
Sixtieth; W. G. Lewis, Forty-third; Robert L. Coleman, Six-
tieth; John H. Anderson, Second Junior Reserves. Total, 14.
Lieutenant-Colonels — John L. Bridgers, Tenth Regi-
ment; H. W. Abernathy, Thirty- fourth; Francis W. Bird, Elev-
enth; John T. Jones, Twenty-sixth; Joseph H. Saunders, Thirty-
third; Eric Erson, Fifty-second; Alfred H. Baird, Sixty-fifth;
Joseph B. Starr, Fifth Battalion; Charles W. Broadfoot, First
Junior Reserves; Whitmel P. Lloyd, Senior Reserves. Total,^
10.
Majors — Egbert H. Ross, Eleventh Regiment; Benjamin R.
Huske, Forty-eighth; Charles M. Stedman, Forty-fourth; James
R. McDonald, Fifty-first; W. W. McDowell, Sixtieth; James
C. MacRae, Battalion in Western North Carolina; F. J. Hahr,
Commandant Conscript Camp; John N. Prior, Senior Reserves,^
Inspector Eighth District, Conscript Bureau. Total, 8.
Adjutants — French Strange, Fifth Regiment; J. C. Mac-
Rae, Fifth; Stark A. Sutton, Forty-fourth; Richardson Mallett,
Forty-sixth; E. J. Hale, Jr., Fifty-sixth; W. C. McDaniel,
Fifty-fourth; John H. Robinson, Fifty-second; Spier Whitaker,
Jr., Thirty-third; Thomas J. Moore, Fifty-ninth; E. M. Clayton,
Sixtieth; John W. Mallett, Sixty-first ; Junius French, Twenty-
third. Total, 12.
Other Staei' Officers — William R. Edwards, A. Q. M.,
Thirty-eighth Regiment; George W. Wightman, A. C. S., Fifth;.
J. T. Downs, A. C. S., Sixty-third; George B. Baker, A. Q. M.,
Conscript Camp; John G. Hardy ^of Burke), Surgeon, Sixth
Regiment; J. Geddings Hardy (of Buncombe), Surgeon, Sixty-
«In the lists which follow the colonels, lieutenant-colonels, majors and adi-utants of
the regiments of the line are placed in the order of date of commission; the comnlnv
ofBcers, alphabetically. ' .u^auj
t
The Bethel Eegiment. 119
fourth; D. McL. Graham, Assistant Surgeon, Thirty-seventh;
Charles G. Gregory, Assistant Surgeon, Thirtieth; L. L. Warren,
Surgeon; Jesse H. Page, Chaplain, Seventeenth. Total, 10.
Non-commissioned Staff — Charles Haigh, Sergeant- Major,
Sixty-third Regiment; E. P. Powers, Sergeant-Major, Fayette-
ville Armory Guard.
Captains — S. B. Alexander, Company K, Forty-second
Regiment; W. E. Ardrey, K, Thirtieth; M. D. Armfield, B,
Eleventh; George B. Atkins, B, Fifth Battalion; T. J. Brooks,
D, Forty-first Regiment; Calvin S. Brown, D, Eleventh; Thomas
Capehart, Third Battalion; Thomas W. Cooper, C, Elev-
enth Regiment; E. M. Clayton, K, Sixtieth; D. A. Culbreth,
C, Fifty-fourth; Lawson A. Dellinger, A, Fifty-second; Alex-
ander R. Carver, B, Fifty-sixth; W. D. Elma, I, Thirty-seventh;
J. F. Freeland, G, Eleventh; S. A. Grier, D, Sixty-third; B. F.
Grigg, F, Fifty-sixth; W. L. Hand, A, Eleventh; A. Sidney
Haynes, I, Eleventh; H. W. Home, C, Third; Lemuel J. Hoyle,
I, Eleventh; James R. Jennings, G, Eleventh; G. B. Kibler,
B, Fifty-fourth; W. J. Kincaid, D, Eleventh; Jesse W. Kyle,
B, Fifty-second; J. A. McArthur, I, Fifty-first; Robert Mc-
Eachern, D, Fifty-first; John McKellar, A, Sixty-third; D.
A. Monroe, K, Thirty-eighth; James H. Morris, F, Forty-
third; E. R. Outlaw, C, Eleventh; Thomas Parks, B, Elev-
enth; B. F. Patton, B, Sixtieth; T. W. Patton, C, Sixtieth;
L. A. Potts, C, Thirty-seventh; Alexander Ray, D, Fifty-
third; K. J. Rhodes, E, Fifty-sixth; Frank N. Roberts, B,
Fifty-sixth; David Scott, D, Fifty-third; George Skirven,
Mallett's Battalion; George Sloan, I, Fifty-first Regiment;
E. J. Small, F, Eleventh; John F. Speck, G, Fifty-seventh;
Edward W. Stilt, I, Thirty-seventh; L. B. Sutton, F, Fifty-
ninth; John M. Sutton, C, Third Battalion; Frank M. Tay-
lor, G, Thirty-second Regiment; W. B. Taylor, A, Eleventh;
William T. Taylor, B, Fifty-sixth; John H. Thorpe, A, Forty-
seventh; Isaac N. Tillett, G, Fifty-ninth; M. C. Toms, A, Six-
tieth; J. J. Watford, F, Fifty-ninth; W. P. Wemyss, D, Fay-
etteville Armory Guard; Carey Whitaker, D, Forty-third; Sol.
120 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
H. White, G, Thirty-second; J. Marshall Williams, C, Fifty-
fourth; James M. Young, K, Eleventh. Total, 57.
First Lieutenants — C. W. Alexander, Company A,
Eleventh Eegiment; W. R. Alexander, I, Sixtieth; John H.
Anderson, D, Forty-eighth; Thomas W. Baker, T>, Forty-third;
K. J. Braddy, C, Thirty-sixth; G. W. Buhman, B, Forty-first;
John A. Burgiu, K. Eleventh; E. M. Clayton, B, Sixtieth; W.
A. Connelly, A, Avery's Battalion; David A. Coon, I, Eleventh
Regiment; Thomas C. Fuller, B, Fifth Battalion; David P.
Glass, K, Thirty-fifth Regiment; Charles Carroll Goldston, H,
Forty-sixth; Joseph L. Hayes, F, Fifth; A. J. Hauser, D, First;
H. R. Home, A, Fifth Battalion; W. E. Kyle, B, Fifty-second
Regiment; H. C. Lowrance, D, Sixtieth; Jarvis B. Lutterloh,
E. Fifty-sixth; M. S. Marler, B, Fifty-fourth; James McKee,
C, Seventh; J. P. McLean, H, Fiftieth; J. H. Myrover, B,
Fifth Battalion; O. P. Pittman, B, Sixty-third Regiment; D. H.
Ray, A, Fifth; Thomas RufSn, D, Fifty-ninth; Angus Shaw, K,
Thirty-eighth; Thomas G. Skinner, Fifth Battalion; J. J. Speller,
Commandant Conscript Camp Guard; Ed. E. Sumner, D, First
Regiment; R. W. Thornton, B, Fifty-sixth; G. W. Westray, A,
Forty-seventh; J. S. Wliitaker, D. Forty-third; T. L. Whitaker,
D, Twenty-fourth; John Whitmore, B, Fifth Battalion; B.
Franklin Wilson, K, Forty-second Regiment; E. J. Williams,
I, Thirty-first. Total, 37.
Second Lieutenants — Marshall E. Alexander, Company
B, Fifty-third Regiment; W. T. Battley, E, Fayetteville Arm-
ory Guard; William Beavans, D, Forty-third Regiment; W.
R. Boon, B, Fifty-first; O. J. .Brittain, D, Eleventh; John W.
Burgin, K, Eleventh; Charles B. Cook, A, Sixty-third; Au-
gustus Cotton, E, Seventeenth; G. A. Cotton, E, Seventeenth;
S. W. Davidson, C, Sixtieth; T. F. Davidson, F, Sixtieth;
W. T. Dickerson, K, Eleventh; S. H. Elliott; J. P. Elms, I,
Thirty-seventh; G. H. Gregory, J. C. Grier; P. B. Grier,
Eleventh; George H. Haigh, Conscript ,Bureau; R. H. Hand,
A, Eleventh Regiment;' M. M. Hines, B, Twenty-third; James
W. Huske, B, Fifty-second; Isaac Jessup, B, Fifth Battalion;
The Bethel Regiment. 121
R. B. Kerley, B, Fifty-fourth Regiment; J. G. McCorkle, E,
Eleventh; J. H. McDade, G, Eleventh; D. M. McDonald,
B, Fifty-sixth; H. A. McDonald, K, Thirty-eighth; McMat-
thews (of Mecklenburg); James D. Nott, A, Sixty-third; O.
A. Ramseur, I, Eleventh; Benjamin Rush, B, Fifth Battal-
ion; J. M. Saville, H, Eleventh Regiment; H. H. Smith, A,
Fifth; B. W. Thornton, B, Fifty-sixth; J. H. Triplett; J. L.
Warlick, B, Eleventh; Portland A. Warlick, B, Eleventh;
R. M. Warlick, K, Forty-ninth; Jones M. Watson, G, Elev-
enth; James W. Williams, G, Eleventh; G. W. Wills, D, Forty-
third; Joseph H. Wilson, K, Forty-second; G. W. Worjey, K,
Eleventh. Total, 43.
A recapitulation of the foregoing gives: Four general offi-
cers, seven officers of the general staff, fourteen colonels, ten
lieutenant-colonels, eight majors, twelve adjutants, ten other staff
officers, fifty-seven captains, thirty-seven first lieutenants and
forty-three second lieutenants; total, two hundred and two. From
this must be deducted the number of names which appear more
than once. Three of the general officers appear also iu the list of
colonels; five of the officers of the general staff appear also
in the regimental and* battalion field and staff, and one of
them twice; an adjutant appears also in the list of line captains;
and a lieutenant of a regiment of the line appears in another
list. Nearly all the .officers enumerated held more than one
office, by promotion; but it was necessary to repeat only those
just mentioned. Deducting these eleven, we have a net total
of one hundred and ninety-one commissioned officers con-
tributed by the First Regiment to other commands in the Con-
federate service — being more than the full complement required
for four regiments. Of these officers, the commands of more
than two-thirds of them formed part of the regular establish-
ment of the Army of Northern Virginia: that is to say, the
division of D. H. Hill and the brigades of D. H. Hill, Lane,
Hoke and Lewis were of that army — as were also the commands
of three of the officers of the general staff above mentioned; of
ten of the colonels; of five of the lieutenant-colonels; of three of
122 North Cakolina Teoops, 1861-65.
the majors; of ten of the adjutants; of six of the other regimental
staff; of forty-five of the captains; of twenty-five of the first lieu-
tenants; and of twenty-nine of the second lieutenants. Deduct-
ing from this total of one hundred and fo%, five names
which have been counted twice therein, we have a net total of
one hundred and thirty-five commissioned officers contributed
by the Bethel Regiment to that immortal army.
FROM BETHEL TO APPOMATTOX.
The list of members of the First Regiment who were present
at the battle of Bethel and who also surrendered at Appomattox
must, in the nature of things, be short, for death and disabling
wounds and other of the adverse chances of war would leave but few
survivors of those who found their way into the Army of Northern
Virginia. For example, to go no further than the grade of colonel,
it will be found that of the fourteen officers of that i-ank con-
tributed by the First Regiment to other commands, five (Lee,
Avery, Marshall, Owens and McDowell) were killed or mor-
tally wounded in battle, while two others (Parker and W. J.
Hoke) were disabled by wounds and retired, and another (Lewis,
who had reached the grade of general) was, as described above,
wounded and captured two days before the surrender. Again,
there are no doubt omissions in the list which has been obtained,
though every effort has been made to secure the names of all.
Subjoined is a list of those who have been reported by the com-
pany historians. The names (including General Lane's) are ar-
ranged alphabetically, and the company or command in which
each served at Bethel and at the surrender are set opposite:
John Beavans, private Company I — Seargeant Company D,
Forty- third.
D. McL. Graham, private Company H — Assistant Surgeon
Thirty-seventh.
E. J. Hale, Jr., private Company H — Major, A. A. G.
(Lane's staff).
W. E. Kyle, private Company H — First Lieutenant Com-
pany B, Fifty-second.
The Bethel Regiment. 123
James H. Lane, Major and Lieutenant-Colonel — Brigadier-
General.
J. A. McKay, private Company H — private Williams's
Battery.
John H. E-obinson, Sergeant Company H — Adjutant Fifty-
second.
Charles M. Stedman, private Company H — Major Forty-third.
W. B. Taylor, Corporal Company C — Captain Company A,
Eleventh.
J. S. Whitaker, private Company I — First Lieutenant Com-
pany D, Forty-third.
Spier Whitaker, Jr., private Company D — Adjutant Thirty-
third.
J. Marshall Williams, private Company H — Captain Com-
pany C, Fifty-fourth.
CONCLUSION.
The facts collated in this history of the First North Carolina
Regiment exhibit its remarkable character. They show that it
was the natural outgrowth of the conditions from which it sprung;
that it expressed the peculiarities of the people whom it repre-
sented, their gentleness^ in manner, their resoluteness in deed;
that the celerity and completeness with which it was organized
and equiped have no parallel in our history; that it spilled the first
blood in battle in defense of the cause which its State was almost
the last to embrace; that, while it had never before heard a hos-
tile bullet, it exhibited the discipline and behaved with the steadi-
ness of veterans at Bethel Church; that its victory there was
won against odds which represented the numerical superiority of
the North over the South; that in this, and in other respects, its
triumph in that initial battle produced consequences of the most
far-reaching kind, possibly holding Virginia in the Confederacy,
and certainly reshifting the theatre of war; that it raised the
hopes of the South to the highest pitch and correspondingly de-
pressed those of the North; that its contributions of trained sol-
diers to the rest of the army constitute a unique feature of mili-
tary history; and that in this, and in all other respects, it deserved
the place assigned it by the authorities of the State as Fugleman
of the regiments.
124 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-65.
APPENDIX.
Adjutant-General's Orders Organizing the
First Regiment.
Reference has been made to orders from the Adjutant- Gen-
€ral's office issued on April 19th, May 9th, May 12th, May
15th and May 16th, organizing the regiment. They were as
follows :
Adjutant- General's Office,
Raleigh, April 19, 1861.
Colonel:— You are hereby commanded to organize the Orange Light
Infantry, Captain Ashe; Warrenton Guards, Captain Wade; Hornet
Nest Eifles, Captain Williams; Enfield Bluea, Captain Bell; Lumberton
Guards, Captain Norment; Duplin Rifles, Captain Kenan; Charlotte
Grays, Captain Ross; Thomasville Rifles, Captain Miller; Granville
Grays, Captain Wortham; Columbus Guards, Captain Ellis, into a regi-
ment to be designated the "First Regiment of North Carolina Volun-
teers."
The cadets of the North Carolina Military Institute can be attached to
this regiment with the consent of their parents and guardians. The
seat of war is the destination of the regiment,, and Virginia, in all prob-
ability, will be the first battle ground.
The service of this regiment will not exceed six months, but the men
should be prepared to keep the field until the war is ended. The gray
or the blue blouse will be recognized as a suitable uniform. Arms are
now in Raleigh for the use of the regiment, and the men will be fur-
nished with them promptly. The regiment will be moved into Virginia
as soon as possible, but will not be led into battle until the field officers
are of the opinion that the men are fit for such duty. You will order an
election for field oflBcers of the regiment on Friday, the third day of
May.
The cause of Virginia is the cause of North Carolina. In our first
struggle for liberty she nobly and freely paured out her blood in our
defense. We will stand by her now in this our last efibrt for independ-
ence.
By order of the Governor:
J. F. Hoigi:,
Adjutant- Oeneral.
Colonel D. H. Hill,
Commanding Camp of Instruction,
Raleigh, N. C.
The Bethel Regiment. 125
Adjot ANT- General's Office,
Ealeigh, May 9, 1861.
{General Orders No. 7). ,
The following companies of volunteers now stationed in this city are
hereby organized into a regiment, to be mustered into the service of the
State agreeably to such regulations as shall hereby be determined upon,
viz.:
1. Edgecombe Guards, Captain John L. Bridgers.
2. Enfield Blues, Captain D. A. Bell.
3. Hornet Nest Rifles, Captain Lewis S. Williams.
4. Burke Rifles, Captain 0. M. Avery.
5. Buncombe Rifles, Captain W. W. McDowell.
6. Southern Stars, Captain W. J. Hoke.
7. Randlesburg Rifles, Captain A. A. Erwin.
8. LaFayette Light Infantry, Captain W. G. Matthews.
9. Orange Light Infantry, Captain Richard J. Ashe.
The companies will be ari'anged in the regiment and the relative ranks
of the officers will be fixed when the same shall have been mustered into
service.
The commanding oflicer of the camp of instruction will hold an elec-
tion for field ofiicers of the above regiment at 10 o'clock a. m. the 11th
inst.
The companies not already at the camp will repair there at the time
designated, where they will be stationed until further orders.
* ***********
All orders heretofore issued inconsistent with the foregoing are hereby
annulled.
Arms will be issued to the troops as soon as they shall have been or-
ganized into regiments.
By order of the Governor: J. F. Hoke,
A djutant- General.
AdjutaNt-Genekal's Office,
Raleigh, May 12, 1861.
{Special Orders No. S).
The following return of the election for field officers for the regiment
of volunteers organized at the camp of instruction in this city, pursuant
to General Orders No. 7 frofti this oflace, dated May 9, 1861, is published
for the information of all concerned:
Camp op Instkuction,
Raleigh, May 11, 1861.
To General J. F. Hoke, Adjutant- General:
Sir: — In accordance with instructions, I hereby transmit the result of
the election this day held for field ofiicers of the First North Carolina
Regiment :
126 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-65.
For Colonel— D. H. Hill received 652 votes; Charles 0. Lee, 39; C. 0.
Tew, 2; scattering, 3.
For Lieutenant-Colonel— Charles 0. -Lee received 657 votes; Mr. Bur-
gwyn, 29; D. H. Hill, 13; Major Stokes, 2; scattering, 4.
For Major — James H. Lane received 610 votes; Mr. Lovejoy, 83; scat-
tering, 5. Respectfully submitted,
Charles C. Leb,
Major Camp of Instruction, Acting Colonel.
The officers elected as above will enter upon their duties accordingly,
and all persons placed under their command will respect and obey them
accordingly.
By order of the Governor: J. F. Hoke,
A djutant- General.
Officers commissioned as per above date, the 11th.
Adjutant-General's Office,
Raleigh, May 15, 1861.
Sir: — You are hereby detailed to muster in the troops of the First
Regiment this afternoon at four o'clock p. m.
A justice of the peace will be requested to be present to administer
the necessary oath.
J. F. HOKB,
Adjutant-Qeneral.
Colonel C. C. Lee,
Camp of Instruction,
Raleigh, N. C.
Adjutant-General's Office,
Raleigh, May 16, 1861.
{Special Orders No. 5)-
Colonel: — The Randlesburg Rifles, Captain Erwin, not having the
number of men required by law, are detached from the First Regiment,
and the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry,* Captain Huske, are
ordered to supply their place, and will take the same position in the
regiment occupied by that company.
Major Lane is detached as mustering oflicer to muster into the service
of the State the Fayetteville Light Infantry.
The LaFayette Light Infantry, Captain Starr; the Fayetteville Inde-
pendent Light Infantry, Captain Huske, and the Southern Stars, Cap-
*This company and the LaFayette Light Infantry were detained, by orders at Fav-
etteviUe, for service in the capture of the United States Arsenal at that place which was
.effected on the 22d of April. They were put to guard duty over that great property until
May 1st, when the LaFayette left for Ealeigh, and May 9th, when the Independent com-
pany followed. For this reason they were not included in the earlier orders for organi-
zation of the regiment. °
The Bethel Regiment. 127
tain Hoke, will leave for Richmond, Va., on Saturday morning, and
will have two days' rations of meat and bread for each member of the
company. The remaining companies will move for the same point on
Monday or Tuesday next, and will have a like supply of provisions pre-
pared.
By order of the Governor: J. F. Hokb,
A djutani- Oeneral.
EXTRACT FROM COLONEL HILL'S OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE
BATTLE OF BETHEL.
A detachment of fifteen cadets from the North Carolina Mili-
tary Institute defended the howitzer under Lieutenant Hudnall,
and acted with great coolness and determination.
I cannot speak in too high terms of my two field officers,
Lieutenant-Colonel Lee and Major Lane. Their services have
been of the highest importance since taking the field to the
present moment. My thanks,' too, are due, in an especial
manner, to Lieutenant J. M, Poteat, Adjutant, and Lieutenant
J. W. Ratchford, Aide, both of them cadets of the North Caro-
lina Institute at Charlotte. The latter received a contusion in
the forehead from a grape-shot, which nearly cost him his life.
Captain Bridgers, Company A; Lieutenant Owens, commanding
Company B ; Captain Ross, Company C ; Captain Ashe, Com-
pany D; Captain McDowell, Company E; Captain Starr, Com-
pany F; Captain Avery, Company G; Captain Huske, Company
H; Lieutenant Whitaker, commanding Company I; Captain
Hoke, Company K, displayed great coolness, judgment and
efficiency. Lieutenant Gregory is highly spoken of by Major
Lane for soldierly bearing on the 8th. Lieutenants Cook and
McKethan, Company H, crossed over under a heavy fire to the
assistance of the troops attacked on the left. So did Lieutenant
Cohen, Company C. Lieutenant Hoke has shown great zeal,
energy and judgment as engineer officer on various occasions.
Corporal George Williams, privates Henry L. Wyatt, Thomas
Fallon and John Thorpe, Company A, volunteered to burn the
house which concealed the enemy. They behaved with great
gallantry. Wyatt was killed and the other three were recalled.
128 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Sergeant Thomas J. Stewart and private William McDowell,
Company A, reconnoitered the position of the enemy, and went
far in advance of our troops. Private J. W. Potts, of Company
B, is specially mentioned by his company commander; so are
Sergeant William Elmo, Company C; Sergeants C. L. Watts,
W. H. McDade, Company D; Sergeant J. M. Young, Corporal
John Dingier, privates G. H. A. Adams, R. V. Gudger, G. W.
AVerley, John C. Wright, T. Y. Little, J. F. Jenkins, Company
E; E. W. Stedman, M. E. Dye, H. E. Benton, J. B. Smith,
Company F; G. W. Buhmann, James C. MacRae, Company H.
Casualties — Private Henry L. Wyatt, Company K, mortally
wounded; Lieutenant J. W. Ratchford, contusion; private Coun-
cil Rodgers, Company A, severely wounded; private Charles
Williams, Company A, severely wounded; private S. Patterson,
Company D, slightly wounded; private William White, Com-
pany K, wounded; private Pet^r Poteat, Company G, slightly
wounded.
Permit me, in conclusion, to pay a well-deserved compliment
to the First Regiment North Carolina Volunteers. Their
patience under trial, perseverance under toil and courage under
fire have seldom been surpassed by veteran troops. Often work-
ing night and day, sometimes without tents and cooking uten-
sils, a murmur has never escaped them to my knowledge. They
ha\^e done a large portion of the work on the intrenchments at
Yorktown, as well as those at Bethel.
Had all of the regiments in the field worked with the same
spirit there would not be an assailable point in Virginia. After
the battle they shook hands affectionately with the spades, call-
ing them "clever fellows" and "good friends."
The men are influenced by high moral and religious senti-
ments, and their conduct has furnished another example of the
great truth that he who fears God will ever do his duty to his
country.
The Bethel Regiment. s 129
THE protest against CHANGING THE REGIMENT'S NAME.
IFrom the FayeiteviUe Observer, October 7, 1861.']
MILITARY MEETING.
At a meeting of the ofHcers of the First Regiment North
Carolina Volunteers, now stationed at Camp Fayetteville, near
Yorktown, Va., on motion, Captain C. M. Avery was called to
the chair, and Lieutenant R. Mallett appointed secretary.
The chairman explained the object of the meeting to be to
take the sense of the officers of this regiment relative to the
change of our title. On motion of Lieutenant Thigpen, Cap-
tains R. J. Ashe, W. W. McDowell and Lieutenant B. R.
Huske were appointed a committee to draft resolutions for the
action of the meeting. The committee withdrew and in a short
time returned and reported the following preamble and resolu-
tions, which were unanimously adopted, and ordered to be for-
warded to the Richmond Dispatch and Examiner, the North
Carolina State papers, and the Charleston Mercury, for publi-
cation :
"Whereas, on the 28th day of September, A. D. 1861, to
our, surprise and mortification, an order from Colonel J. G.
Martin, Adjutant-Generill of the State of North Carolina, was
read, directing that this regiment should in future be known as
the Nineteenth Regiment of North Carolina Volunteers; there-
fore, be it
"Resolved, That having been iha first regiment from North
Carolina to enter the State of Virginia; the first regiment from
any State to meet and repulse the invader; the first regiment to
receive the approbation of our countrymen by resolutions of their
national and State couucils; that having been intrusted by the
people of North Carolina with a flag upon whose folds is in-
scribed 'The First Regiment of North Carolina' by the hands
of ouf country-women; and that having been exposed to the dan-
gers of battle and endured the hardships of camp, in this our
only campaign, as the First Regiment, we do hereby enter, in
behalf of those whose graves may be seen, humble though th«y
9
130 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
be, in sight of their trials and labors; in the name of those whose"
enfeebled health attests their patience and fortitude; and in the
name of those who yet live, proud of their appellation and of
the associations of which it reminds them, our most earnest pro-
test against said change.
"Resolved, That we have shown by all of our actions since the
call for volunteers our earnest desire to promote the good of the
cause, and that while we are still willing to make further sacri-
fices for the same plirpose, we are not willing to surrender our
name to minister to the caprice of any one, or to subserve the
convenience of a few office clerks, and that we will never submit
to such an imposition until we have exhausted every means of
redress consistent with our eificiency and character."
C. M. Avery,
R. Mallett, Chairman.
Secretary.
Note. — It is probable that if the action recorded in the above proceed-
ings had been Ijnown, the Bethel Regiment would have been placed first
in Moore's "Roster," in accordance with the fact that it was the first
regiment organized by the State. It is placed in the "Roster" after the
Eleventh Regiment, which succeeded it.
THE BETHEL FLAG.
The Atlanta Journal in 1881 contained an article concerning
the "Flag of Bethel," from which the following extracts will be
interesting:
"The color company of the First North Carolina Regiment
was Company E, formerly the Buncombe Riflemen, of Asheville.
The flag they carried into Big Bethel fight was the first one bap-
tized in blood in a field engagement during the war. This flag
was made by Misses Anna and Sallie Woodfin, daughters of
Colonel Nicholas Woodfin; Misses Fannie and Mary Patton,
Miss Mary Gaines, Miss Kate Smith, and perhaps other young
ladies of Asheville, N. C, and presented to the Buncombe Rifle-
men. The flag was made of red, white and blue silk, the mate-
The Bethel Regiment. 131
rial contributed from the dresses of tiie young ladies. Miss
Anna Woodfin was chosen, in behalf of the young ladies, to pre-
seiit the flag, her father making the presentation speech. Cap-
tain W. W. McDowell, in behalf of his company, received it.
The Misses Woodfin are cousins of the late lamented Henry W.
Grady. This flag was taken to Richmond, and when the Rifle-
men became the color company of the regiment it became the
regimental flag of the first fight of the war. On the return
home Captain E. M. Clayton, now of Clarksville, who had suc-
ceeded Captain McDowell in the command of Company E,
brought the flag with him, and has sacredly kept it through
many vicissitudes until the present day. After it came out of
service Miss Anna Woodfin wrought on its white bar with blue
silk the word 'Bethel.'"
The flag which was presented to the First Regiment by the
ladies of Fayetteville on the 9th of September, 1861, and upon
which the word "Bethel" was inscribed in accordance with the
resolution of the Convention, is now in possession of Mr. E. R.
McKethan, of Fayetteville.
THE OLDEST MILITARY COMPANY IN THE WAR BETWEEN
THE STATES.
The Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry, which went
into the service as Company H of the First Regiment, was the
oldest military organization in the South. It is the oldest in the
United States, with the exception of the Ancient and Honorable
Artillery Company of Boston. It was formed in 1793 to assi,st
President Washington against Citizen Genet, of France, and has
had an unbroken organization since. It served in the war of
1812, at the same time maintaining a company of "substitutes"
in the field at its own expense; it was of the escort of General
Lafayette on his visit to Fayetteville in 1825; it sent a detail of
its members to the Mexican war ; it served in the war between
the States, as we have seen, as Company H, First North Caro-
lina Regiment; and it served in the recent war with Spain as
Company A, Second North Carolina Volunteers.
132 North Carolina Troops, 1861 -'65.
In 1819, by special act of the Legislature, for its long and
distinguished services, its commanders, from that time forward,
were endowed with the rank of major, and its four next officers
with that of captain, a distinction conferred upon no other com-
pany in the State. It represented North Carolina at the Phila-
delphia Centennial in 1876, at the Yorktown Centennial in
1881, and at the Constitutional Centennial at Philadelphia in
1887; and was one of the two organizations from North Caro-
lina in the line at the Dewey celebration in New York, Septem-
.berSO, 1899.
ITS ORGANIZATION AFTER THE RETURN FROM YORKTOWN.
[Extract from Major J. C. MacRae's Address on the Eighty-first
Anniversary.']
The organization of your company was not lost after its return
from Yorktown; and on February 22, 1862, an election of offi-
cers was had, and Peter M. Hale, who had been a private
through the whole tour of service in the field, was elected Major
Commanding. This was a just tribute to one who had, in the
intimate association of camp-life, endeared himself to all his
comrades. In March, 1862, the company again offered its ser-
vices in defense of our liberties. It was then composed of about
forty men; but before its services were accepted most of the
members had volunteered in other commands and gone to the
front. So on the 1st of April, 1862, when the Clarendon Guards
went to Fort Fisher, they carried in their ranks the commander
and twelve men of your company — all that was left.
NOTES OF THE COMPANIES.
In addition to the large list of officers contributed by the First
Regiment to other commands in the Confederate service it is
believed that the majority of the remainder of the regiment re-
enlisted, though it has been impossible to trace them all. Al-
though the Eleventh Regiment was officially known as the suc-
cessor of the First Regiment, and numbers of its officers came
The Bethel Eegiment. 133
from the latter, but a small portion of its rank and file was thus
derived. The authorities relied on for the history of the sev-
eral companies indicate that the men of companies A, B, C, D, G,
H, I, K, L and M were scattered in their re-enlistments through
diiferent regiments. Captain Ross, of Company C, and some of
his officers went into the Eleventh Regiment as Company A,
but Moore's "Roster" shows but three privates common to the
two companies. Company E (Buncombe) seems to have gone
largely into the Sixtieth Regiment and other commands in the
Army of Tennessee. Company F went largely into Starr's Bat-
tery, Company B, Fifth (Thirteenth) Battalion.
The first death in the regiment was that of private Julius
Sadler, of Company B, who fell from the platform of the cars
on the way from Richmond to Yorktown, May 24th, 1861, and
was instantly killed. Private Hilton, of the same company, be-
came one of Hampton's famous scouts.
Of Company C (the Charlotte Grays) not a member was of age.
Lieutenant David A. Coon, of Company K, was wounded
nine times, and still carries several balls in his body. Private
James M. Abernathy, of the same company, became Assistant
Surgeon to Surgeon General Warren in the State service, and
private J. F. Reinhardt became a noted scout.
[The writer is indebted to General Lane for valuable documents; to
General W. G. Lewis for items concerning Company A; to Major J. G.
Harris, Captain W. B. Taylor and Lieutenant J. H. Wilson for items
concerning Companies B and C; to Doctor Kemp P. Battle and David
McCauley, Esq., for those for Company D; to Hon. Theodore F. David-
son and B. F. Patton, Esq., for Company E; to Colonel J. B. Starr for
Company F; to Judge Avery for Company G; to Captain John H. Robin-
son for Company H; to Colonel F. M. Parker for Company I; to Profes-
sor Charles L. Coon and Sheriff (Lieutenant) David A. Coon for Com-
pany K; to Hon. F. D. Winston and Captain L. B. Sutton for Company
L, and to W. M. Bond, Esq., Mr. J. R. B. Hathaway and Captain Thomas
Capehart for Company M.]
E. J. Hale.
Faybttevillb, N. C,
April 9, 1900.
FIRST REGIMENT.
1. H. A. Brown, Colonel. 5. L. C. Latham, Major.
S. M. S. Stokes, Colonel. 0. John Benbury, Captain, Co. A.
3. J. N. Harrell, Lieut.-Colonel. 7. T. D. Boone, Captain, Co. F.
4. T. L. Skinner, Major. 8. John A. Morgan, 1st Lient., Co. A.
!). J. C. Scarborough, Sergeant, Co. I.
FIRST REGIMENT.
By colonel HAMILTON A. BROWN.
"While we envy not others their merited glory, we feel it to be our
bounden duty to North Carolina, to our gallant soldiers, and to our dead
heroes, that we should be fairly represented in history's story." — Gen-
eral Eamsbue.
This regiment was organized at the race track near Warren-
ton in the spring of 1861, Governor Ellis appointing Mumford
Sidney Stokes, Captain of Cpmpany B, from Wilkes county,
Colonel; Matthew W. Ransom, of Halifax county, Lieutenant-
Colonel, and John A. McDowell, of Bladen county. Major.
Colonel Stokes had been an officer in the United States Navy
for more than ten years. He was also Major of a North Caro-
lina regiment in the Mexican war, and was presented with a
handsome sword by his soldiers after that war.
Colonel Ransom was a distinguished statesman and lawyer of
Weldon, and was promoted to Brigadier-General during the war.
Major McDowell was a successful business man of Bladen
county.
The other field and stafiF officers by succession and appoint-
ment were as follows: John A. McDowell, Colonel from Lieu-
tenant-Colonel; H. A. Brown, Colonel from Lieutenant-Colonel;
John A. McDowell, Lieutenant-Colonel from Major; H. A.
Brown, Lieutenant-Colonel, promoted from Company B; J. N.
Harrell, Lieutenant-Colonel, promoted from Company F; John
A. McDowell, Major; T. L. Skinner, Major, promoted from
Company A; J. S. Hines, Major, promoted from Company C;
J. N. Harrell, Major, promoted from Company F; L. C. La-
tham, Major, promoted from Company G.
136 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Adjutants — J. S. R. Miller, Caldwell county; French
Strange, Cumberland county; T. H. W. Mclntire, New Han-
over county; L. J. Curtis, Wilkes county; John A. Morgan, Per-
quimans county.
Sergbant-Majors— T. H. W. Mclntire and W. G. Allen,
Wm. H. Proffett and J. Edward Purvis.
Quartermasters — G. L. Dudley, J. D. Boone.
Commissaries — J. W. Hackett, Owen Fennell, R. A. Spain-
hour. "
Surgeons— H. I. Macon, C. J. Gee, N. M. Scales, L. C.
Coke.
Chaplains — J. H. Spainhour, J. K. Howell,W. R. Gwaltney.
COMPANY officers.
Company A — Chowan County — Captains: T. L. Skinner, J.
A. Benberry, F. W. Bond, T. L. Johnston. First Lieutenants:
J. A. Benbury, J. L. Bratten, L. C. Benbury, T. L. Johnston,
J. A. Morgan. Second Lieutenants: L. C. Benbury, T. L.
Johnston, J. A. Morgan, A. R. Stamer, J. D. Williams, W. H.
McNider.
Enlisted men, 121.
Company -B — Wilkes County — Captains: M. S. Stokes, J. B.
Gordon, H. A. Brown, T. S. Bouchelle. First Lieutenants: M.
A. Parks, T. S. Bouchelle, J. A. Hampton, W. W. Vannoy, L.
J. Curtis. Second Lieutenants: T. S. Bouchelle, J. A. Hamp-
ton, W. W. Vannoy, J. W. Peden, T. C. Miller.
Enlisted men, 170.
Company C — New Hanover County — Captains: J. S. Hines,
H. L. Fennell, W. H. Thompson. First Lieutenants: H. L.
Fennel, W. H. Thompson, J. J. McMillan, T. H. W. Mclntire.
Second Lieutenants: Owen Fennell, W. H. Thompson, J. J. Mc-
Millan, O. R. Scott, Charles Marsteller.
Enlisted men, 164.
Company D — Orange and Lincoln Counties — Captains: E.
M. Scott, J. W. Williamson. First Lieutenants: Edward Sum-
First Regiment. 137
ner, A. P. Houser. Second Lieutenants: A. J. Houser, Wm.
Howard, A. W. Cheek, P. H. Grady, J. G. Scott, D. E. Stokes.
Enlisted men, 167.
Company E — New Hanover County — Captains: J. A.Wright,
F. W. Moore. First Lieutenants: J. L. "Wboster, J. G. Wright.
Second Lieutenants: J. G. Wright, G. L. Dudley, R. F. Lang-
don.
Enlisted men, 140.
Company F — Hertford and Northampton Counties — Captains:
J. N. Harrell, Thomas D.Boone. First Lieutenants: W. S. Shep-
pard, J. P. Jenkins, Second Lieutenants: C. F. Lyop, J. P.
Jenkins, T. D. Boone, J. F. Adkins, L. C. Lawrence.
Enlisted men, 156.
Company G — Washington County — Captains: L. C. Latham,
N. J. Whitehurst. First Lieutenants: N. J. Whitehurst, J. A.
Latham. Second Lieutenants: J. A. Latham, T. S. Holliday,
T. N. Bishop, J. M. Hargett.
Enlisted men, 152.
Company H — Martin County — Captains: R. W. Rives, J. S.
R. Miller, Alfred Mizel. First Lieutenants: N. B. Fagan, J.
R. Mizel. Second Lieutenants: E. Burrows, J. R. Mizel, J. H.
Keen, J. M. Guyther.
Enlisted men, 152.
Company I — Wake County — Captains: J. H. Foote, J. H.
Fowler. First Lieutenants: H. J. Fowler, W. D. Scarborough,
J. A. Harlsfield. Second Lieutenants: H. J. Fowler, J. H.
Terrell, H. L. Patterson, M. F. Scarborough, E. A. Carver.
Enlisted men, 158.
Company K — Halifax County — Captains: S. H. Gee, W. H.
Day. First Lieutenants: A. L. Pierce, C. Branch. Second
Lieutenants: W. R. Williams, John Wynn, D. E. Stokes, R. J.
Day.
Enlisted men, 157.
In July, after the organization was perfected, the regiment
was ordered to Richmond, and was assigned to General Holmes'
Brigade, at Brooks' Station, near the mouth of Acquia Creek.
138 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
While here Company B was detached and ordered to the
mouth of Acquia Creek to man the heavy guns in the batteries
stationed there, and was engaged in several skirmishes with the
enemy's gun-boats. In the spring of 1862 a portion of the North
Carolina Troops, iucluding this regiment, was ordered to Golds-
boro to meet an advance of the enemy from New Bern. About
this time Lieutenant-Colonel Ransom was elected Colonel of the
Thirty-fifth Regiment, and accepted; Major McDowell was made
Lieutenant-Colonel; Captain Skinner, of Company A, Major.
The regiment having been again ordered to Richmond, arrived
on the ibattlefield of Seven Pines just after the battle had
been fought. Here it remained for several weeks, chiefly on
picket duty, with an occasional skirmish with the enemy, and
lost several of its men.
While here a new brigade was formed, composed of the First
and Third North Carolina, the Fourth and Forty-fourth Geor-
gia, and Brigadier-General R. S. Ripley was assigned to its
command, Major-General D. H. Hill being in command of the
division.
SEVEN days' battles.
On the 26th of June, after a circuitous and fatiguing night
march, the regiment arrived in the vicinity of Mechanicsville.
Here a detail of one company from each regiment was made, and
Major DeRosset, of the Third, was placed in command. The
object of this select battalion was to clear the way and examine
the bridge across the Chickahominy. (A mine was thought to
have been placed under it by the enemy). In order to under-
' stand their duties more fully, the officers were sent to the top of a
hill near by, from which could be seen the route intended, etc.
On this hill, and in range of the enemy's guns, a group of dis-
tinguished Confederates were assembled, composed of President
Davis, Mr. Randolph (Secretary of War), Generals Lee, Long-
street and D. H. Hill, waiting to hear General Jackson's guns
on the north side of Mechanicsville before ordering an advance.
General Jackson being delayed. General Lee ordered an ad-
vance of this portion of the line after hearing the guns of Gen-
First Regiment. 139
eral A. P. Hill at Meadow Bridge. After the battalion alluded
to had examined and crossed the bridge, and cleared the field of
skirmishers, Ripley's Brigade, having been selected as the assault-
ing column, was ordered across the bridge and to form line of
battle. It advanced to the attack in front of the splendid artil-
lery of the enemy strongly posted across the pond at Elyson's
Mills. The slaughter was terrific, yet the regiment pressed
forward in the face of this murderous fire for more than half a
mile, advancing steadily to what seemed inevitable destruction,
till it reached the pond, when it was ordered by the right flank
and took shelter in a skirt of woods below. In this assault Col-
onel M. S. Stokes was mortally wounded, Lieutenant-Colonel
McDowell badly wounded and Major Skinner killed. Captains
James A. Wright, of Company E; R. W. Rives, of Com-
pany H; four Lieutenants, and more than half of the men of
the regiment were killed and wounded. On the 27th, the
enemy having retreated, this regiment, with the army, pursued
him in the direction of Cold Harbor by way of Bethsaida Church.
There being now no field officers and but few company officers
in the regiment. Major W. R. Cox, of the Second Norih Caro-
lina Regiment, was ordered to fake command in this battle.
In the charge that followed through the dense ,undergrowth
this regiment became separated from its brigade, and acted as a
support to Garland's Brigade. It lost several men, killed and
wounded. The following day was spent in burying our own and
the Federal dead.
The next day the Chickahominy was crossed at Grape Vine
Bridge and the march continued in the direction of White Oak
Swamp via Savage's Station. Here, after a sharp skirmish, the
enemy was repulsed. From this point the regiment marched in
the direction of Malvern Hill by way of Quaker road, and turn-
ing to the right after passing the church, was soon under fire
from the enemy's guns on Malvern Hill.
The troops taking shelter under the crest of the hill, formed
line of battle and were ordered by General Hill to assault the
strong natural position of the enemy on the plateau. Arriving
140 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
at the crest and in full view at close range of the enemy's infan-
try and artillery, this regiment, together with the third, went by
the left flank, in perfect order, and took advantage of a cut in
the road. At this place that gallant soldier, Colonel Gaston
Meares, of the Third, was killed while bravely leading his regi-
ment. General Charles Winder, of the Stonewall Brigade, then
assumed command of this and the Third Regiment.
Night came at last to end this bloody and disastrous struggle,
the enemy retreating. The next day the dead of these two regi-
ments (First and Third) were found nearer to those of the enemy
than were those of any other troops on this part of the line,
proving that they approached nearer the enemy's line of battle
than any of the regiments that fought on this part of the field.
The regiment suffered heavily iu this engagement. Among the
killed was Captain John Benbury, of Company A, beloved and
mourned by the entire regiment. At this battle Captain Brown,
of Company B, was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, and Cap-
tain J. S. Hines, of Company C, Major. The regiment remained
for several days in this locality, Major-General D. H. Hill's
Division, of which it was a part, having been left to watch
McClellan's movements. While here, Lieutenant-Colonel
Brown and Major Hines were detailed to go to Raleigh to pro-
cure the regiment's quota of conscripts. They returned with
about five hundred. These men proved to be excellent material
for soldiers, brave and willing, as was fully proven on many a
bloody field afterward. After being assigned to their proper
companies and sufficiently drilled, the regiment, with the divis-
ion, was moved by rail to Orange Court House.
SOUTH mountain CAMPAIGN.
About the 9th of August the regiment moved in the direction
the army had taken, passing the battlefield of Cedar Mountain,
and was in reserve at Second Manassas and antilly. After-
wards it crossed the Potomac at Point of Rocks and camped
near Frederick, Md., where it remained for several days, then
crossed the South Mountain at Crampton's Gap and remained
First Regiment. 141
at Boonesboro until the 14th, when it participated in the battle
at the Gap, its position being on the right of the Braddock road.
At one time during this battle six companies were hotly engaged,
losing several men.
SHARPSBURG CAMPAIGN.
After dark the army withdrew and moved in the direction of
Sharpsburg, where it arrived on the morning of the 15th, tak-
ing position iu a cornfield on the ridge north of the town. Here
we fared abundantly on green corn and pumpkins, till the firing
of the enemy's artillery in the afternoon admonished us of more
important matters.
Oq the following day this regiment, with the brigade, while
supporting a battery, was subjected to a heavy fire from the
enemy's artillery across the Antietam. At daylight on the
17th the firing began at close range. The troops were soon
moved by the left flank, at double-quick, and occupied a posi-
tion at a burning farm building. After a hard battle of an
hour, General Ripley having been wounded in the neck, the ad-
vance to the front and left was ordered by Colonel Doles, of the
Fourth Georgia, now in command. The troops obeyed with
alacrity, manifesting more than their usual determination and
efficiiency, crossed a formidable fence and moved through a skirt
of woods in which General Mansfield, commanding a corps of
the enemy, was killed. After an irresistible effort on our part,
the Federals were driven from, and we gained possession of, the
celebrated cornfield. There being now a lull in the firing, three
distinct lines of the enemy could be plainly seen approaching.
As they advanced they were reviewed by a Federal officer, with
hat in hand, riding rapidly in front of each line. We were near
enough to hear the angry and determined cheers of his men.
On, on, this vast army approached our thin ranks. Word
was passed: "Fix bayonets, boys!" We nerved ourselves for
the attack, which was murderous beyond description, con-
tinuing for more than an hour and a half. Ripley's Brigade,
after bearing the brunt of the battle, was ordered to retreat, the
142 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
enemy not pursuing. The manner of this. retreat was slow and
in order and under General Hill's personal supervision. Observ-
ing an abandoned caisson, he, Hill, ordered the soldiers to
remove it from the field, remarking: "We will not leave the
enemy so much as a wheel." The retreat was continued to the
Dunkard Church on the Hagerstown road, where, after being
supplied with animunition, our lines were reformed, the enemy
making no further demonstrations on that day. The following
day the troops rested on the field, in plain view of the enemy's
lines, and during the night crossed the swollen Potomac.
The loss of the regiment in this battle was more than fifty
per .cent, of the number engaged, including some of its best
officers and men, among the number Captain Bouchelle, of Com-
pany B. After resting for several weeks in the lower valley,
the army moved by way of New Market Gap, passing Orange
Court House in the direction of Fredericksburg. While in
bivouac for the night near Gordonsville, General Hill issued
an order requiring company commanders to see that the bare-
foot men made moccasins for themselves of the hides 'just taken
from the beeves. The next morning on the march General Hill
observed one of the soldiers, private Vanhorne, of Company
H, without shoes or moccasins, and immediately arrested. Captain
Miller of that company for disobedience of orders. Captain Mil-
ler demanded and obtained an investigation, which showed that he
had until a late hour, and after marching twenty-one miles, as-
sisted his men in carrying out the General's order; that at mid-
night private Parker, of Company B, arrived in camp bare-
foot, cold and hungry, and was naturally attracted to the butch-
er's-pen where, learning of the recent order of Hill, he went to
work at once to shoe himself. As he wore number twelve
shoes, it took so large a portion of the material that there was
none left for private Yanhorne. Upon this statement of facts
Captain Miller was released. Be it stated, however, to the
credit of both Parker and Vanhorne, that their shoeless feet had
marked the bloody dust on many a hard fought field.
The regiment and brigade continued its march to Port Royal
on the Rappahannock, where it remained for several days.
First Regiment. 143
first battle of fredericksburg.
'On the morning of the 12th of December the troops moved
back in the direction of Fredericksburg, marching the greater
part of the night and reaching Hamilton's Crossing on the
morning of the 13th. In this battle this regiment was in the sec-
ond line until the evening of the first day, when it took posi-
tion in the first line. The enemy being driven back, the Con-
federates lay on the field, anticipating another furious battle,
and " bitterly thought of the morrow." Before dawn the line
was advanced to the railroad, within three hundred yards of the
enemy, but no blood was shed this day, and but one shot was
fired. This was from a small cannon of the enemy, aimed at
a Georgia Lieutenant in the act of robbing a dead Federal in
front of picket-lines. He soon beat a hasty retreat, amidst the
cheers and jeers of both armies. The enemy sent a flag of truce
on the 14th, asking permission of General Jackson to remove
their dead and wounded, who were lying in heaps on that por-
tion of the railroad occupied by this regiment. The permission
was promptly granted by the General. The troops were em-
ployed during the dark and rainy night following in tearing
up the railroad — an extremely difficult task — as orders were
giv^n to accomplish this work in silence, as well as in the dark,
" without lights and without noise." The enemy retreated, and
thus ended the first battle of Fredericksburg.
After this the regiment built and occupied winter quarters on
the Rappahannock, near Skinker's Neck. There the winter of
1862-'63 was spent on picket duty along the river. While sta-
tioned at this point the regiment, which had been in Major-
General D. H. Hill's Division, was now changed to Jackson's
old division, commanded by Major-General Trimble, and our
gallant Georgia comrades, the Fourth and Forty-fourth Regi-
ments, were exchanged for the Tenth, Twenty-third and Thirty-
seventh Virginia Regiments. These regiments, with the First
and Third North Carolina, formed a new brigade, and Brigadier-
General R. E. Colston was assigned to command it. It will be
seen from this statement that the First and Third North Caro-
144 . North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
lina Regiments had not been, up to this time, brigaded with
other North Carolina troops, nor were they so brigaded during
the war. Without the slightest reflection on our gallant friends
and comrades in arms — the Georgians and Virginians — we do
assert that it was both unfortunate and unjust that these regi-
ments were not immediately associated with their own State
troops, for these two being the only regiments from North Caro-
lina in this, the Stonewall Division, trouble and discomforture
were necessarily entailed by such an arrangement. Our mails
were miscarried, we were often neglected, and sometimes forgot-
ten, in the distribution of army stores, clothes, provisions, etc.
The field of promotion was also narrowed, and our achievements
on the field frequently shared by others. Governor Vance made
repeated efforts to effect a more satisfactory arrangement, with-
success.
CHANCELLORSVILLE CAMPAIGN.
On the 29th of April this regiment left its camp at Skinker's
Neck and marched to Hamilton's Crossing, thence in the direc-
tion of Chancellorsville. On the 2d of May, Saturday morning,
while waiting in the road on the east of Chancellorsville, the
members of this regiment witnessed an interview between Gen-
erals Lee and Jackson. These generals went apart from their
staff ofiBcers and sat down upon the leaves. General Lee un-
folding a map that he had taken from his pocket, and pointing
out to General Jackson with a pencil on the map, who nodded
assent. In a short while General Jackson arose and called
Major Pendleton, his chief of staff, and through him ordered the
troops to move by the left flank. Then commenced that grand
strategic movement that has since been the wonder and admira-
tion of the world. Rapidly marching around the enemy's lines
to his right and rear, crossing the plank-road and arriving on
the old turnpike about 4 p. m., two and a .half miles west of
Chancellorsville, having marched in all more than fifteen miles
in a few hours, and about five miles in a direct line from the
starting point in the morning, Jackson's Corps had been de-
tached from the main body of the army to make this attack.
First Regiment. 145
On this march regimental commanders were ordered |o march
in rear of their regiments with a guard of strong men with fixed
bayonets, to prevent straggling. Immediately on arrival at the
stone road the troops were formed in three lines of battle, Col-
ston's Brigade being in the second line. The order to advance
was obeyed with promptness. Rushing on towards the enemy's
camp, the first scene that can be recalled was the abundant sup-
ply of slaughtered beef and rations cooking.
We captured piles of fat knapsacks and piles of fatter Dutch-
men. Private Alexander Faw, of Company B, remarked that
the thick woods through which we were passing was like a strainer,
letting the lean and the lesser Dutchmen escape, while we secured
the fat ones'. The Federal General Schimmelfennig's Brigade
suffered heavily as prisoners. In the language of a North Caro-
lina General, " Hungry men seized provisions as they passed the
camp, and rushed forward eating, shouting and firing." The
whole affair was a wild scene of triumph on our part. Thus
continued the pursuit until night, when the enemy made a stand
within a mile of the Chancellor house. Here great confusion
ensued. The two front lines having become mingled, were
halted and reformed. This regiment, being in better allignment
than most of the others. General Jackson in person ordered it to
advance as skirmishers in front of the line. Shortly after being
thus deployed it was charged by a company of Federal cavalry,
which proved to be a part of the Eighth Pennsylvania. The
greater portion of them were unhorsed and captured. This was
a critical period in the battle, and General Jackson seemed un-
usually anxious. He gave instructions to the Colonel of this
regiment to fire upon everything coming from the direction of
the enemy.
These instructions were turned over to Colonel Avery, of the
Thirty-third, who relieved this regiment, and obedience to them
resulted in that most distressing calamity, the wounding of Gen-
eral Jackson by his own men. On being relieved, this regiment
assembled on the road, rejoined its brigade, and protected itself
as well as possible from the terrific cannonading of the enemy
10
North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
that followed. On Sunday, the 3d instant, the regiment was
formed on the right of the road, and, advancing, captured the
first line of the enemy's works — a barricade of huge logs with
abatis in front. The portion of these works that crossed a ravine
and swamp, and which was favorable to the occupancy of the
enemy, was assaulted three times by the Confederates before it
was finally held. This regiment, with the major part of the
brigade, participated in the last two of these charges. It was
then that General J. E. B. Stuart, who was in command (Gen-
erals Jackson and Hill having both been wounded on the even-
ing before) ordered the whole line forward. The enemy's earth-
works in front were carried by storm and many pieces of artil-
lery which occupied them were captured. We were now in
full view of the Chancellor house, and the captured guns were
turned on the fleeing enemy. Soon the Chancellor house was
in flames, and a glorious victory perched upon our banners.
The Confederate line was again moved forward and executed
a wheel to the left, bringing this regiment and brigade immedi-
ately to the Chancellor house, hence this brigade, which had
been commanded since early in the day by Lieutenant-Colonel
Brown (Captain Latham being in command of the regiment,
Colonel McDowell and Major Harrell having been wounded),
was the first of the Confederate troops to reach the Chancellor
house, Lieutenant-Colonel Brown being the fifth brigade com-
mander that day, as per his report in " War Records." During
one of these assaults alluded to above this brigade became de-
tached from the division, and when it arrived at the Chancellor
house was between two of Major-General Rodes' brigades. On
the 6th the brigade marched to U. S. Ford on the Rappahannock.
While here the enemy was permitted by General Lee to lay a
pontoon-bridge and send over several hundred ambulances to
the battlefield of Chancellorsville for his wounded. The officers
of this regiment and brigade acted on the part of the Confed-
erates to carry on these negotiations, and General Sharp, Deputy
Provost Marshal of the Army of the Potomac, acted on the part
of the enemy. A whole week was consumed in effecting this
First Regiment. 147
object, after which the brigade was removed and operations
resumed. The troops now returned to the viciuity of Freder-
icksburg.
Early in June, soon after the Chancellorsville battle, Major-
General Edward Johnson was assigned to command the Stone-
wall Division, and General George H. Stewart to command Cols-
ton's Brigade. The division was now composed of Paxton's,
or the First Brigade, known as the Stonewall Brigade, Jones',
or the Second Brigade, and George H. Stewart's, the Third
Brigade.
WINCHESTER CAMPAIGN.
From its bivouac near Fredericksburg the army now marched
in the direction of Winchester, the Second Corps crossing the
Blue Ridge at Chester Gap. Arriving at Winchester, it partici-
pated in the battle of the 13th and 14th of June, which was
very disastrous to the Federals und Milroy. After the battle on
the evening of the 14th, Johnson's Division was ordered to inter-
cept and capture the routed enemy, and for this purpose the di-
vision marched all night, and by a circuitous route by way of
Jordan's Springs, arrived at daybreak near Stephenson's Depot,
on the Valley pike.
During a sharp battle at this place, in which the regiment was
sorely pressed. Lieutenant John A. Morgan, with a squad of men,
saved the day by taking command of and operating a Confed-
erate battery which this regiment was supporting, after nearly
all the regular artillerymen had been killed or wounded.
Several hundred of the enemy threw down their guns and
surrendered. Portions of four regiments, with their colors, sur-
rendered to this regiment. At this stage of the battle the regiment
volunteered to reconnoiter the field to the Carter house, a mile
distant, and succeeded in capturing two hundred horses. It
was then that General Johnson ordered the regiment to mount
these horses and pursue Milroy, who had escaped in the
direction of Harper's Ferry. It failed in this object, how-
ever, and, after a day's travel of many miles, returned to
camp with no further victory to boast or booty to claim; but,
148 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
on the' contrary, entirely satisfied with its equestrian expedi-
tion, and realizing that there could be better things in a soldier's
experience than to "jiue the cavalry." In this last battle the
regiment lost the gallant Captain Miller, of Company H, for-
merly Adjutant of the regiment. On the 18th the regiment
crossed the Potomac at Shepherdstown and encamped near the
Dunkard Church, on the battlefield of Sharpsburg. While here
the Eev. George Patterson, the Chaplain of the Third North
Carolina Regiment, having been solicited, read the burial service
over the noble heroes of the First and Third Regiments who
had fallen in this battle in 1862 and were buried near this
church. This solemn and touching scene will ever be one
among the memorable incidents in the annals of the war.
GETTYSBtlRG CAMPAIGN.
From this camp the regiment, with the brigade, marched via
Hagerstown to Chambersburg, Greencastle and McConnellsburg
to the vicinity of Carlisle and on to Gettysburg, having marched
twenty-five miles the last day, but arrived too late to participate
in the engagement of the first day. The position of the regiment
the next day was about two miles east of the town, the regiment
being the left of the brigade and extreme left of the army.
The greater portion was deployed as sharp-shooters. In the
charge that took place at 4 p. M. this regiment, after crossing
Rock Creek, assembled on the right, and with the brigade as-
saulted and captured the enemy's works at the southeast base of
Gulp's Hill. Lieutenant Green Martin, of Company B, was the
first to enter the works, where he received a mortal wound. At
this juncture the officer in command of this regiment sent a mes-
sage to Major-General Johnson to the effect that with re-inforce-
ments he could cut the Baltimore pike. Smith's (Extra Billy)
Virginia Brigade was sent, but arrived too late to accomplish
the desired end. On the morning of the 3d the second line of
the enemy's works, strongly posted on Gulp's Hill, was assaulted.
The fighting here was desperate, the enemy using his artillery at
close range and with great effect. The attack failed and we fell
First Regiment. 149
back to the works that we had first captured and at night re-
treated to the position occupied on the first day, west of the town,
leaving most of our dead, thirty-eight in number, on the field.
"Victory deserted the Southern arms on the gory field of Gettys-
burg. Though ten thousand of her heroic dead and wounded
lay scattered from bloody Gulp's Hill to stony Round Top, yet
the ghastly sacrifice did not attain the end for which it was
made. Standing amidst the wreck and carnage of that fatal
field, Lee realized for the first time the loss of his great captain,
Jackson, upon whose banners victory ever perched. This was
the last offensive movement that the Gonfederacy was able to
sustain. Next day we turned our faces toward Virginia, and
after several skirmishes and hard marches, arrived at Williams-
port, Md., and forded the swollen Potomac on the 15th, the
men having to put their cartridge-boxes on their bayonets to keep
them above the water. After various marches via Front Royal
and Page Valley, and with some skirmishing, we reached Orange
Gourt House early in August, participated in the Bristow cam-
paign in October, by having an occasional skirmish with the
enemy.
On the 27th of November this regiment was engaged in a
short, sharp fight at Payne's Farm, where the commanding
officer of the regiment, Lieutenant-Golonel Brown, was shot
through the hand, when lock-jaw threatened, and the com-
mand was turned over to Gaptain Latham. In this battle
the enemy was driven from the field after a loss of several
of the regiment's best men. At Mine Run the regiment was
engaged in several skirmishes, but in no general battle. Thus
ended the campaign of 1863, and the regiment built winter
quarters near the Rapidan, and did picket duty along the
river at Mitchell's Ford during the winter of 1863-64.
Golonel McDowell having now resigned, Lieutenant-Golonel
Brown was promoted to Golonel, Major Harrell to Lieutenant-
Golonel and Gaptain Latham to Major. The regiment was now
thoroughly reorganized and the vacancies filled with competent
company officers, carefully selected, all of them an honor to their
150 North Carolina Troops, 18 61-65.
State, as subsequent events bore ample testimony. The perfect
discipline and efficiency attained by this regiment during this
winter, and the high compliment afterwards paid it on the bat-
tlefield of the Wilderness by Lieutenant-General Ewell and
Major-General Johnson, were due in a great degree to tl^p efficient
management and co-operation of Lieutenant-Colonel Harrell and
Major Latham, not only on the field, but to their assistance in
training and drilling the men in camp. Credit is also due to
the faithful assistance of competent and willing company officers,
several of whom, among them Captains Boone, Thompson, Day^
Johnson, Mizell and others, had been promoted from the ranks,
and were veterans of many a bloody field in previous campaigns.
E,ev. W. R. Gwaltney, Chaplain of the regiment, wrought a good
work here also. A large chapel was constructed, in which regu-
lar services were held for the soldiers. He also established a.
school for them, which did much to improve their condition in
every way.
THE WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN.
On the 4th of May camp was broken and the regiment, with
the brigade and division, marched in the direction of Locust
Grove and met the enemy on the evening of the 15th in the first
day's battle of the Wilderness, where, after a hard fight, a por-
tion of the regiment captured two pieces of artillery and more
than one hundred prisoners in an opening on the old stone road.
The regiment had witnessed and had taken part in the capture
of many batteries, but the manner of this capture was both novel
and thrilling. The Colonel of the One Hundred and Forty-
sixth New York, Jenkins, whose regiment was opposite in the
enemy's line, being killed, his command gave way and sought
protection in a gully in rear of the battery. A portion of the
First Regiment, Lieutenant O. R. Scott being one of the lead-
ing spirits, suddenly emerged from a thicket of pines and at-
tacked the battery on the flank. Here the fighting was desper-
ate, clubbed-guns and bayonets being used. -"Twas claw for
claw, and the devil for us all." Lieutenant Shelton, command-
ing this battery (Battery D, New York Light Artillery), Cap-
First Regiment. 151
taiu Wlnslow having been wounded, at last surrendered two
guns, the other two escaping. This portion of our regiment,
having crossed the road and obliqued too far to the right, was
now in rear of the enemy's lines opposed by General Rodes on
the right of the road. At length General Rodes succeeded in
routing this portion of the enemy's line and a perfect stampede
ensued. We could only avail ourselves of the above-named
gully, from which we had just captured so many of the enemy,
while this vast herd of fleeing Federals came rushing through
and over us without firing a gun or speaking a word. While
we were yet in this temporary concealment, Lieutenant-Colonel
Lightfoot, of the Sixth Alabama, in pursuit of the routed foe,
dashed up to this battery, mounted the guns and, with flag in
hand, claimed the capture. We in turn rose up from this now
famous gully and, to his astonishment and disappointment,
proved to him that the prize and the honor were ours. The
remaining portion of the regiment, with the brigade, arrived in
time to assist in reclaiming the battery from Colonel Lightfoot
and the Sixth Alabama. The ene'my being re-inforced, made
another advance, and we were in turn driven back to our first
position, leaving the guns between the lines. We, however,
removed them from the field on the night of the 6th, after the
firing had ceased.
SPOTTSYLVANIA CAMPAIGN.
On the night of the 7th the movement was commenced by
the right flank and the march was continued throughout the
next day, the 8th, through the dust, heat and smoke (the woods
being on fire), the regiment arriving in the evening near
Spottsylvania Court House. The enemy was marching on a
road nearly parallel with ours, and where the roads came
together, at sundown, a brisk engagement took place. While
going into this action, on the right by file into line, color-
bearer W. H. Lee was decapitated by a shell. Captain
Thompson picked up the colors, and bore them until the
regiment had finished the movement and taken- its place in
152 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
line. Just before advancing a volunteer was called for to bear
the colors in the battle. A stripling, with gosling voice, tat-
tered jacket, ragged trousers and powder-burnt face, in the im-
mediate presence of the murderous legions of Hancock, and bear-
ing the thenceforth honored name of Reams, stepped to the front
and said : "I'll take the ilag, Colonel," and the flag, its folds still
dripping with the warm blood of noble Willie Lee, was deliv-
ered into his hands. Lieutenant-General Ewell, who had wit-
nessed the tragic death of gallant Lee, inquired: "What youth
is that who has left his father's fold and come here and assumed
the duties of a veteran?" On being told that it was John
Reams, of Company F, he said that he would gladly approve
any recommendation that might be made for his promotion, but
the 12th came before the promotion, and on that day the regi-
ment was captured by the enemy. Color-bearer Reams, deter-
mined not to surrender the flag, tore it from the staff and carried
it in his bosom to a Northern prison.
The night of the 8th and the day of the 9th were spent in
building works. On the 10th, General Doles' works having
been captured immediately on the left, this regiment and brigade
were sent to his assistance. After a most sanguinary battle of
two hours, in which we lost some of our bravest and best men.
Lieutenant Larkin Curtis among the number, the works were
recaptured and we returned to our position in line. The regi-
ment rested on the 11th. On the morning of the 12tb, dark
and rainy, a fitting prelude to a day that was dark in the fullest
sense of the term, the enemy made a desperate assault on the
salient angle occupied by Jones' Brigade, this regiment being
immediately on the right of it. For a short time the fighting
was desperate. The terrific onslaught of this vast multitude
was irresistible, there being a rectangular mass of twenty thou-
sand Federal troops, not in line of battle, but in column of regi-
ments doubled on the centre, supported by a division on each
flank, in all more than thirty thousand troops concentrated against
this one point. The portion of the works assaulted by this for-
midable colnijin was little more than four hundred yards wide.
First Regimemt. 153
The Confederate troops occupying this angle were Jones' Brigade
and the First Regiment, numbering about two thousand. The
clash of arms and the murderous fire around this bloody angle are
indescribable. Every one who was present will ever remember
the wreck and the anguish of that dark and direful day. Let
it also be remembered that this regiment did its whole duty here,
as on all other occasions; that it did all that mortal man could
do, and proved even in defeat true to its State and country. All
but about thirty of the whole regiment were captured, the Col-
onel wounded and captured and recaptured three times; the last
time from the enemy's ambulance corps, who, in turn, were
made prisoners, and bore him to the Confederate rear instead
of the Yankee rear, as was their intention. A hickory tree,
said to be sixteen inches in diameter, was cut down by min-
nie balls alone and fell near our works. From this time until
the close of the war the regiment was a mere company, but pre-
served its organization, and was, with the Third, transferred to
Cox's Brigade and participated in all the battles in which that
brigade was engaged between Spottsylvania and Richmond.
VALLEY CAMPAIGN OF 'l864.
About this time General Early .was assigned to command the
Second Corps, and was ordered to Lynchburg to meet Hunter's
raid, at which point the corps arrived on the 18th, and after
some skirmishing the enemy withdrew during the night and
was driven from this portion of Virginia, leaving his artillery
and a portion of his train. General Early then marched in the
direction of Staunton, passing Lexington; the cemetery in which
General Jackson had been buried lay on the right of the road
which we traveled. "We passed into the cemetery with muffled
drums, field officers dismounting, bands playing funeral dirges,
banners drooped and arms reversed. A mound covered with
beautiful June flowers, a flag-staff standing near, told the men
who had followed him wherever he had led that beneath that
unostentatious pile of valley soil lay the body of Stonewall
Jackson. A hush as deep as midnight fell upon those men in
154 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
their ragged gray, and the eagle eyes of the veterans grew moist,
as they thought of the glory they had won under the leadership
of the most unique soldier of the age." From this point Jthe
army marched in the direction of Washington City by way of
the Valley and Monocacy Junction, near Frederick, where abat-
tle took place, the enemy being greatly damaged. Next day,
after a long march through the dust and heat, the regiment and
the army reached Silver Spring, in view of the dome of the Capi-
tol, where, after some further skirmishing. General Early find-
ing himself confronted by an overwhelming force and his flank
threatened, withdrew to the Valley by way of Leesburg and
Snicker's Gap. General Early now organized a corps of sharp-
shooters from the different regiments in the Second Corps, this
regiment furnishing its quota, and its Colonel was appointed to
command the corps of sharp-shooters thus formed.
After this the sharp-shooters were engaged in almost daily
skirmishes with the enemy, and took part in the battles of Win-
chester, August 17th; Cliarlestown, August 21st; Smithfield,
August 29th; Bunker's Hill, September 3d, and in the bloody
and disastrous battle of Winchester, September 19 th, in which
the veteran General Rodes, who had ever been equal to occasion,
was killed, and also some of our bravest and best officers and
men, the true and genial Captain Tom Boone, of Company F,
being among the wounded in this unfortunate battle. In this
engagement the Confederates, ten thousand in number, met thirty
thousand of the enemy. General Early retreated and took posi-
tion at Fisher's Hill, where he was again overpowered, and re-
treated up the Valley to Waynesboro. The Confederates being
re-inforced, returned down the Valley, and marched, on the
night of the 18th of October, around the end of the Mansanutton
mountain, crossed the Shenandoah at Bowman's Ford, and at-
tacked the enemy at daylight in his rear, the sharp-shooters cap-
turing twelve pieces of artillery before the main body arrived.
This strategy on the part of General Early was pronounced by
military critics to be equal, or even superior, to that of General
Lee at Chancellorsville. Oa account of overwhelming odds, the
First Regiment. 155
Confederates were prevented from following up their advantages,
and our decided victory of the morning was turned into a signal
defeat before the day was over. A portion of this regiment and
the sharp-shooters were under the immediate command of Gen-
eral Ramseur, who, collecting his veterans behind a stone fence,
and fighting like a lion, in this his last battle, was mortally
wounded. Although this regiment had never been in his com-
mand it had, as if by accident, been thrown with him in many
bloody battles, and his undaunted courage and heroic conduct
inspired many a faltering spirit to revive and "rush on to victory
or to death." A patriot, a hero, a martyr!
"Out of its scabbard, never hand
Waved sword from stain as free."
The army again retreated up the Valley, and after the defeat of
Sheridan's Cavalry at Rhode's Hill, near Mt. Jackson, the Val-
ley campaign of 1864 ended. After this the Second Corps of
the Army of Northern Virginia returned to Petersburg and took
up winter quarters within a few miles of the city.
About the middle of February, 1865, the First, with the
other troops of the corps, moved south of Petersburg, to near
Sutherland's Depot. Here the regiment remained until about
the middle of March, when the troops were ordered into the
trenches in front of Petersburg, and there it remained until the
night of the 24th of March, when that portion of the regiment,
with the sharp-shooters which had been engaged in the assault
and capture of Fort Stedman before daylight, as a portion
of the assaulting column, including its commander, Colonel
Brown, was captured by the enemy, under the command of
General McLaughlen, but was shortly afterwards recaptured,
and in turn captured General McLaughlen and his com-
mand. General McLaughlen asked permission to surrender
his sword to General Gordon. Permission was granted, for
the reason that it was not certain that he was a prisoner, or
would be long, as captures and recaptures were so frequent.
Upon his surrendering his sword to General Gordon, he was
156 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
moved back to the Confederate rear and was safe, a prisoner.
After this the fort was stubbornly held by the Confederates
against great odds for more than four hours, when, by a sudden
rush on the part of the enemy on the right, the lines were closed
and the greater part of the sharp-shooters, together with Colonel
Brown, their commander, were cut off and forced to surrender. ,
APPOMATTOX.
The march from Petersburg to Appomattox was but a series
of engagements until the memorable day of the 9th of April. This
brigade was now commanded by that veteran soldier. General W.
R. Cox, who, as his men were retiring, ordered a halt, and the com-
mand was given: " Right about, face! " It was promptly obeyed,
and once more, and for the last time, these few ragged, foot-sore
and half-starved North Carolinians stood in the strength of their
invincible manhood, opposed to the men they had met and had
driven back on many a bloody field. Once more the command rang
out in the clear, firm voice of the intrepid Cox: "Ready, Aim,
Fire!" And the last volley fired by the Army of Northern
Virginia was by North Carolina troops, this regiment among the
number. "Defeated, but not dishonored." And so should we,
as true sons of Carolina, in the education of our children, teach
them to ever refuse that savage lesson that " Might makes right."
Teach them that
"Right lives in a thousand things;
Its cradle is its martyr's grave,
Wherein it rests awhile until
The life that heroisms gave
Revives again at God's own will,
And rights the wrong."
Note.— This imperfect sketch of the First Regiment has been written
from memory and such memoranda as could be collected. Much assist-
ance has been rendered by Captain T. D. Boone, a member of the regi-
ment. Also, acknowledgments for suggestions and favors are due Judge
Walter Clark and Colonel T. S. Kenan.
H. A. Brown.
Columbia, Tenn.,
April 9, 1900.
SECOND REGIMENT.
1. William E. Cox, Colonel. 5. D. W. Hurtt, Major.
2. Charles C. Tew, Colonel. 6. W. M. Norman, Captain, Co. A.
3. John P. Cobb, Colonel. 7. W. T. Faircloth, Captain and Assistant
4: George L. Kirby, Surgeon, Q. M.
SECOND REGIMENT.
By MATT. MANLY, Captain Company D.
The Second Regiment was organized with the following offi-
cers of the field and staff:
Chaeles C. Tew, Colonel.
William Pkeston Bynum, Lieutenant-Colonel.
William R. Cox, Major.
Nicholas Collin Hughes, Adjutant.
William T. Fairgloth, Quartermaster.
Louis Hilliaed, Commissary.
W. H. CouETS, Surgeon.
Geoege L. Kieby, Assistant Surgeon.
' Stewaet Devane, Assistant Surgeon.
Rev. Dr. Alfred A. Watson, Chaplain.
The commissions of the field officers of the Second Regiment
were dated May 8, 1861, and those of the original company
officers May 16, 1861.
Dr. Courts was soon succeeded by Dr. James B. Hughes, and
Dr. Devane by Dr. L. H. Stith.
Dr. Hughes, after two years of arduous service in attending
the men through the dreadful diseases of the camp, when fever
and pneumonia swept away so many, and through the campaign
of the first two years, was promoted to Surgeon of the brigade.
The survivors of the Second have a most grateful feeling toward
him and the highest respect for his skill and devotion.
Dr. George L. Kirby succeeded Dr. Hughes, and remained
with us until the regiment was greatly reduced in numbers, when
he was given a more important post. He gave most faithful atten-
tion to every duty, and whether under the fire of the enemy's guns,
158 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
ministering to the wounded, or soothing the last moments of the
poor fellow dying with fever, he was the same loyal friend.
N. Collin Hughes served as Adjutant until the death of Col-
onel Tew, when he was promoted to the staff of General Petti-
grew, and was killed at Gettysburg. He was a leader among
the high-spirited gentlemen of the Second. His handsome
presence and charming manners made him a delightful compan-
ion, and his superb courage a noble comrade in arms.
Dr. Stith made a most efficient Surgeon, notwithstanding that
he had lost an arm. He now lives at Suffolk, and had two sons
in the army in Cuba.
Rev. Dr. Watson, our Chaplain, besides his attention to his
clerical duties, gave valuable services as a scout. His informa-
tion of the topography of the country was of great value to our
commanding officer. He had the profound respect of every
man.
Company A — New Hanover Cown^y-r-Captain, Edward D.
Hall. This company was transferred to the artillery, and did
duty on the Cape Fear under Captain Calvin Barnes. Captain
Hall became Colonel of the Forty-sixth North Carolina Troops.
His place and designation was taken by a company of fine fellows
from Surry — Captain, James B. Waugh; Lieutenants, W. .M.
Norman, Benjamin F. Bray, W. O. T. Banner.
Captain Waugh was mortally wounded at Chancellorsville,
and died May 28, 1865. His company was one of the first in
the charge, being well in front, and his red-lined cloak made
him a conspicuous mark. Lieutenants Norman and Banner took
their men so far to the front that Norman fell badly wounded
and Banner into the hands of the enemy. Officers and men, 128.
Company B — Wilson County — Captain, John Howard; Lieu-
tenants, John C. Gorman, Calvin Barnes, Orrin Williams,
William Howard, Robert E. Calder, Garry Fulghum, B. J.
Barnes, L. B. Boyette, W. G. Ferrell.
Captain Howard was mortally wounded at Sharpsburg, Sep-
tember 17, and died October 4, 1862.
Second Regiment. 159
Calvin Barnes was appointed to the command of Company A,
and transferred with the company.
John C. Gorman then became Captain, which rank he held
to the end. He was wounded several times. His last wound
was received near Petersburg, in April, 1865.
Orrin Williams was promoted, and transferred.
The company was greatly indebted to Lieutenant Robert E.
Calder for its discipline and proficiency in drill. Lieutenant
Calder was a cadet of the Hillsboro Military Academy. He
was a very popular officer, and was painfully wounded at Malvern
Hill, losing an eye.
Lieutenants Bemzan Barnes and Ferrell were also wounded at
Malvern Hill, while Garry Fulghum and L. B. Boyette were
paroled at Appomattox.
Company C — Carteret County — Captain S. D. Pool and his
company were transferred to the artillery, and served on the
coast. He became Colonel of the Tenth North Carolina Troops
(First Artillery). Its place was supplied by a fine company from
Wayne and Duplin counties — Captain, Gideon M. Roberts; Lieu-
tenants, W. T. Faircloth, David Cogwell, W. W. Loftin, Nathan
B. Whitfield, George W. Britt, Stephen Williams, Thomas W.
Crow, Joel Jones, Thaddeus Jones.
Captain Roberts resigned in 1862.
Lieutenant W. T. Faircloth having been promoted to a cap-
taincy, and made Quartermaster, N. B. Whitfield was given
command of the company. He served until May 11, 1864, and
was killed at Spottsylvania.
Captain Faircloth (now Chief Justice of the Supreme Court)
was a faithful officer in a most responsible position. W. W.
Loftin died in 1864.
Officers and men numbered 133.
Company D — Wilson and Wayne Counties — Captain, Walter
S. Stallings; Lieutenants, Isaac C. Applewhite, Matt. Manly, W.
H. H. Cobb, J. C. Pierce, Wyatt E. Yelverton, W. H. Apple-
white.
I. C. Applewhite was wounded at Sharpsburg, and resigned.
160 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Matt. Manly was made Captain while in a prison hospital
from wounds received at Chancellorsville.
In a great number of battles this company was commanded
by Lieutenant Yelverton, with W. H. Applewhite the only
other officer. Both of these officers were desperately wounded
on several occasions. Applewhite, although shot through the
lungs at Chancellorsville, was again with his comrades before
the next battle. Better soldiers never stood before the guns of
an enemy; true exponents of the character of the men they led.
Lieutenant W. H. H. Cobb was made Assistant Surgeon, in
which position he rendered most admirable service. It was after'
his baptism of fire on the bloody field of Cold Harbor that he
was promoted to the medical staff.
In the medical corps of the regiment must be mentioned Hos-
pital Steward, Joseph M. Caho, after the war the venerable
Sheriff of the new county of Pamlico. Many a man owed his
life to his skillful treatment and cheerful attention. His memory
is a sweet one to us all.
Captain Stallings became Major at the death of Colonel Tew,
and Lieutenant-Colonel upon the promotion of Colonel Cox, and
was the ranking officer of the regiment when killed. He received
the wound from which he died at Castleman's Ford, near Berry-
ville, July 18, 1864. He was repeatedly warned that he was
exposing himself needlessly, but he could not be restrained. A
shell burst near him, severing an artery, from which he bled to
death. If any one could be said to have fir,st place in the hearts of
the men of the Second Regiment, it was Walter Stallings. His
was a rare spirit, gifted with every grace, and sensitive to every
pulse of nature; a scholar of delightful wit and charming
vivacity, and a man of gentle manners and finest courage. Eager
in a charge and striking hard and quickly in retreat, beloved
wherever he was known, a noble and generous heart was stilled
when his life's blood ebbed away.
CoMPAN-^ E— 1^5 men from Guilford and Ifi from Samp-
son County — Captain, J. M. Morehead; Lieutenants, Henr^ C.
Second Regiment. 161
Gorrell, Joseph M. Morehead, James Turner Scales, James M.
Hobson, J. E. Fraley, John M. Hobson.
Captaio Morehead was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel of the
Forty-fifth Regiment.
Henry C. Gorrell was made Captain, and killed in Chicka-
hominy Swamp, in one of the reconnaissances in force in Mc-
Clellan's front in June, 1862.
Lieutenant Scales commanded the company until he was pro-
moted to Lieutenant-Colonel. He was wounded at Spott-
sylvania, and again near Petersburg, and was the senior officer
of the Second at Appomattox.
James M, Hobson, J. T. Fraley and John M. Hobson were
excellent soldiers. John Hobson received his bullet at Chancellors-
ville with many another good man.
James Hobson was captured at Spottsylvania after a race for
a stand of colors. One of the color-bearers of the enemy, some-
thing bolder than his comrades, planted his staff well in front
and stood by it to meet our attack. Jim Hobson, with his eye on
the Victoria Cross, or what was equivalent to it with us, "Well
done, old fellow," from his companions, or hoping to get a men-
tion in general orders, if the eye of the General should be happily
on him, dashed forward to capture him. Hobson had no fire-
arms, and could only secure the colors by outrunning the man.
The race was a fast one — "nip and tuck" — with Hobson gaining,
but the course was too short, and both disappeared in the line of
the enemy. Hobson caught his man, but it was too late, and he
kept on to Fort Delaware, where he saw enough of the Stars
and Stripes. His son, Lieutenant Richmond P. Hobson, comes
fairly by his gallant spirit.
Company F — Graven County — Captain, Hugh L. Cole; Lieu-
tenants, N. N. Chadwick, Roderick Wetherington, Henry J. B.
Clark, Furnifold G. Heritage, W. C. Brewer, with Daniel Lane
First Sergeant.
Captain Cole took great interest in his company, and brought it
up to a high state of efficiency by his attention to every exercise
during the long months in camp of instruction. He was pre-
11
162 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
vented by ill health from leading his company in the hard march-
ing of the campaigns, and was obliged to surrender his command.
He was promoted to the rank of Major.
Lieutenant Chadwick became Captain upon the promotion of
Major Cole.
Henry J. B. Clark was killed in a railway accident, a very
young, but promising officer.
Heritage and Brewer, both fine soldiers, were promoted from
the ranks. Heritage was killed at Petersburg. Brewer bears the
scars of many desperate wounds. He commanded the skir-
mishers of Cox's Brigade in the Valley campaign.
Corporal Silas Fulcher, of this company, was the third color-
bearer shot May 12th. He lost a leg.
Officers and men, 146.
Company G — Jones County — Captain, Harvey A. Sawyer;
Lieutenants, S. E. Koonce, W. J. Dickerson, Robert H. Jones,
Hiram A. Sawyer.
Captain Sawyer, a very popular and efficient officer, was
wounded at Malvern Hill, and died July 15, 1862.
Orrin Williams was promoted from Company B, and made
Captain. He was succeeded by W. J. Dickerson. After the
capture of Lieutenant Dickerson at Kelly's Ford the company
was commanded by Robert H. Jones, whose never-failing punct-
uality and courage in battle gained the admiration of all his
comrades, as his unselfish disposition had made him beloved by
them.
Andrew Sawyer was killed at Fisher's Hill.
Company H — Wayne County — Captain, James A. Washing-
ton; Lieutenants, Donald D. Munroe, John P. Cobb, James W.
Gulick, Bryan W. Cobb, N. B. Whitfield.
Captain Washington was promoted to the command of the
Fiftieth and John P. Cobb was made Captain. After the dis-
abling of Lieutenant James W. Gulick by a severe wound in the
knee at Malvern Hill, and the retirement of Lieutenant Monroe,
Bryan W. Cobb was made Captain. He was from the Military
Academy at Hillsboro.
Second Eegiment. 163
Lieutenant Whitfield was killed.
John P. Cobb, who commanded the company in many bat-
tles, and was subsequently Colonel of the regiment, was wounded
at Malvern Hill, Chancellorsville and Cold Harbor in 1864, and
lost a leg while leading the regiment at Winchester.
Alexander Murdock, of this company, was Ordnance Sergeant
of the regiment, and Henry C. Prempert, Drum-major. Prem-
pert directed the best drum corps in the division. The day of
battle found him and his boys under the bursting shells in the
rear of the line, too busy among the wounded to think of danger.
Every officer in the regiment will remember the hospitable
tent of Jim Washington and John Cobb, where th° '^°°* eating
and drinking that Wayne county could furnish w srously
offered to all who came, and the merriment was accompanied by
the pleasant voice and exquisite violin of Sergeant Billie Bryan,
of Company I. Bryan died in Richmond from wounds and the
hardships of the campaign.
Company I (Beauregard Rifles) — Graven and Pamlico
Counties — Captain, D. W. Hurtt; Lieutenants, John P. Dilling-
ham, Edward K. Bryan, Silvester Taylor, R. J. Gilbert, JST. C.
Hughes, Israel B. Watson, John J. Hall.
Captain D. W. Hurtt was most distinguished as commanding
officer of the skirmishers of the brigade. He was wounded at
Sharpsburg, and again, very severely, in the head at Gettysburg.
John P. Dillingham was detailed as Quartermaster, and in
1862 was made Adjutant. He was a most popular and faithful
officer.
N. Collin Hughes was selected as Adjutant, and was a most
valuable officer in the organization of the regiment.
E. K. Bryan, after the Sharpsburg campaign, was made Ad-
jutant of the Thirty-first Regiment.
Lieutenant Watson was wounded and made a prisoner.
John J. Hall was reported missing at Spottsylvania, and his
fate still remains clouded with uncertainty.
Sergeant Isaac Taylor Almore was killed in the great battle
of May 12, 1864.
164 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Company K (Elm City Cadets) — Craven and Pamlico
Counties — Captain, George C. Lewis; Lieutenants, Alexander
Miller, Richard D. Hancock, Joseph F. Hellen, William Calder,
W. J. Street.
Captain Lewis was wounded near Richmond in 1862, and
resigned.
Alexander Miller was made Captain in 1862, which position
he held until the close of the war, having been captured at Kel-
ley's Ford.
Richard D. Hancock was severely wounded at Chancellors-
ville. He commanded the company at Spottsylvania and the
regiment at Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, taking part in all
the painful marches of the Valley campaign of IS ding a
faithful service of four years April 9, 18,65.
W. J. Street, at one time First Sergeant, was wounded at Chan-
cellorsville, Sharpsburg and Spottsylvania. The command of
his company fell upon him on many occasions.
Lieutenant Hellen was promoted, and transferred to the de-
fenses of the Cape Fear.
William Calder, after serving with distinction with the corps
of skirmishers of the brigade as originally formed, was promoted
to the First Battalion.
W. A. Johnson was killed at Malvern Hill, Benjamin Cook
at Chancellorsville and James Hancock at Cold Harbor in 1864.
This company and Company F each had thirteen men killed
at Chancellorsville.
The companies composing the regiment went into camp of in-
struction at Garysburg, a little beyond Weldon, opposite the
camp of the Fourth Regiment, with which for three years we
were associated on nearly every battlefield.
At the time of the battle of Manassas the Second Regiment,
being ordered to Virginia, went to Richmond, thence northward
near the Potomac, where for six months it was engaged in severe
drilling and other camp exercises and in picket duty on the
bleak south bank of the Potomac.
Second Eegiment. 165
When Burnside took New Bern the Second from Virginia
Tvent to Goldsboro, and from there, in the' spring of 1862, went
to Camp Wyatt, near Fort Fisher, where during the day the
men were drilled and threw up walls of sand and at night
patrolled the beach and fought fleas. Such duty not being to
their liking, the officers of the regiment asked to be sent to the
front in Virginia. This was not a " home guard " regiment. It
was "in for the war," and the reports of the bloody but glorious
battles of Williamsburg, Seven Pines and others made it wish
to share the honors with the other North Carolina regiments.
In June the Second was sent to Virginia, and saw some ser-
vice in the repeated feints made daily upon McClellan's front
before the great campaign called the Seven Days' Battles.
The conduct of the regiment in these battles was that when
ordered forward it never halted until directed by the command-
ing officer so to do.
At Mechanicsville, June 26th, we were the first troops to cross
the bridge (just repaired by the pioneers) leading up to the town.
Mr. Jefferson Davis rode immediately in front. An officer
advised that it would be safer for him to go by the ford, a sug-
gestion that was courteously declined. His wish was to share
every danger. Is it a wonder that we loved him? The march
up the hill was made under a terrific shelling — the enemy had
had our range, and the shells burst frequently among us.
At Cold Harbor the regiment, after undergoing the difficult
and trying ordeal of receiving several fatal volleys from our own
troops, sprang to the charge, and slackened pace only when both
flanks were uncovered and the enemy was flying.
At Malvern Hill it received orders directly from General D.
H. Hill, when the message came from General Jackson: "Press
forward on the right, the enemy is retreating." Going out of
the woods, wheeling to the left across the open field, thence
through the pines and up into the deadly cornfield in the face of
such volleys of grape and shrapnel as we had never met before,
it fought until night came, and the firing dwindled from rapid
volleying to infrequent single shots. The fight was over, the
166 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
wounded began crawling away to find friends and the litter-
bearer came to give assistance.
Preparation was soon made for the Maryland campaign, in
which the desperate situation on South Mountain was changed
to one of security by the determined courage of D. H. Hill's
Division aud the great battle of Sharpsburg was to add renown
to our arms throughout the world. The Second was hotly en-
gaged on South Mountain and fought in so many directions that
DO one knew which was front. General Hill informed some of
the men who were getting excited, seeing the blue coats in the
rear, that the front was where the enemy appeared, and the
maskets would carry as well in one direction as another.
Hill's presence was always sufficient to give full assurance that
we were in the right place, and we had only to fight to win.
There was never a better soldier, or a man better qualified to
judge of the merits of one. The clash of battle was not a con-
fusing din to him, but an exciting scene that awakened his spirit
and his genius. The survivors of the Second lay upon his hon-
ored grave a chaplet of immortelles in token of esteem and
affection.
The battle of Sharpsburg was fought September 17, 1862, on
the hills in front of the town of that name, and so called. The
generals of the United States forces called the battle Antietam,
the name of a creek two miles away, where McClellan retired to
claim a victory.
The part the Second Regiment took in this battle is told best
in few words on medallions of metal near the crest of the hill at
the end of "Bloody Lane." On the anniversary of the battle,.
September 17, 1897, when the magnificent monument was
dedicated to the Philadelphia brigade, a party of veterans of the
United States army were looking over the field, when one saidt
"I was standing near this spot when Meagher's Brigade charged
over that hill. There was never anything finer. The troops
that could stand against that brigade were good ones. Let us go
and see." They went over to the "Bloody Lane," and along it
until they came to the inscription : " Here Meagher's New York
Secoxd RegimeKt. 167
Brigade charged, and, afier a bloody and desperate encounter at
thirty paces, were obliged to retire," etc. Within a few feet
stood the opposing inscription: " Here Anderson's North Caro-
lina "Brigade stood and checked the advance of the enemy, driv-
ing him back with great slaughter."
At thirty paces ! They were gallant gentlemen that could stand
and fight in the open field at thirty paces, and hearts of oak that
could drive back such a foe — "Anderson's Brigade of North
Carolina" (the Second, the Fourth, the Fourteenth, the Thir-
tieth).
The survivors of the Second North Carolina Troops salute the'
honorable commissioners who marked the field.
The brigade of General Thomas Francis Meagher was the
most distinguished organization in the Army of the Potomac.
Its charge at Marye's Heights had never been surpassed for
desperate courage. With all their splendid organization, equip-
ment and 'prestige, "the faithful few," as General D. H. Hill
addressed Anderson's Brigade, were able to meet fhem in the
open field and force them to retire.
During the battle in this bloody lane Colonel Charles Cour-
tenay Tew was killed, his body falling into the hands of the
enemy. Colonel Tew was not immediately with his regiment
when he was shot, having been called to direct the movements
of the brigade upon the wounding of General Anderson, and
was on the left, not in view of his own men. He was shot
through the head and placed in the sunken road near the gate-
way of the lane that leads to the farm-house, with his back to
the bank nearer the enemy. Here he was found, apparently un-
conscious, the blood streaming from a wound in the head, with
his sword held by both hands across his knees. A Federal sol-
dier attempted to take the sword from him, but he drew it
toward his body with the last of his remaining strength, and
then his grasp relaxed and he fell forward, dead.
This account of Colonel Tew was given the writer by a soldier
of the Eighth Ohio upon the field of Sharpsburg in the summer
of 1897. The sword was given by the soldier to the colonel of
168 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
his regiment, who unfortunately is no longer living, and the
sword, having passed into other hands, cannot be recovered.
Colonel Tew had a military school at Hillsboro when he offered
his sword to the Governor of North Carolina. He had rnade
a tour of Europe, partly on foot, and had visited many of the
great army posts, studying military service and the art of war,
and was pre-eminent in every accomplishment of a gentleman
and a soldier. The nobility of his disposition and the purity of
his life gained for him the truest respect of every man. When
knighthood was in flower he might have worn the golden rose
of virtue. No word unworthy a maiden knight of old was ever
spoken by him in the hearing of his officers or men. His pres-
ence was a sanctuary. He has followed those who, pure in heart,
sought the Holy Grail, and who now reflect its ineffable light.
After the battle of Sharpsburg, General Lee withdrew into
Virginia, and the Second Regiment went into camp near Wiia-
chester. Later, Hill's Division moved near Front Royal, on the
Shenandoah;' where General Hill, much annoyed by the enemy
being reported at every point of the compass, called for volun-
teers for "extra and dangerous service," the object being to find
the enemy. Many volunteered, among them Lieutenant Wilson
T. Jenkins, of the Fourteenth. Those selected were, for the most
part, from the Second.
The regiment moved back into the Valley, but soon took up
its long march to the south bank of the lower Rappahannock to
meet Burnside, who expected to take the shortest road to Rich-
mond by way of Fredericksburg. It was on this march, late
one evening, that General Hill issued his memorable order
that threw consternation among the company officers. It was
to the effect that should any man be seen on the march next
day without shoes the officer commanding the company should
be "placed in arrest and recommended to be dropped." It
was late at night before, we understood that the skins of
the newly-killed beeves were to be made into moccasins. All
night was consumed in the work, as there were nearly one
hundred men of the regiment without shoes. Next day the
SECOND REGIMENT.
1. W. H. H. Cobb, Assistant Surgeon.
2. Eichard D. Hancock, Ist Lieut., Co. K.
3. W. J. Street, 8ii Lieut., Co. K.
4. E. K. Bryan, ad Lieut., Co. I.
6. E. J. Brooks, Ordnance Sergeant, Co. L
6. A. J. Casey, Private, Co. H.
7. N. Colin Hughes, 1st Lieut, and Adjt.
8. S. R. Street, Corporal, Co. K.
Second Regiment. 169
regiment appeared like a lot of cripples, the raw hide having
curled and shrunk in the most uncomfortable way.
At the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, the Second
Regiment was on the right, and not engaged, except in receiving
the enemy's fire of shell. The casualties in the regiment were
regarded as few, but were more than the losses of any regiment
in the great battles of the present decade. Burnside, not liking
the greeting he received on the south side of the river, re-crossed,
and allowed us to prepare our winter quarters in security.
The spring of 1863 found the regiment hard at work getting
into shape again. All the duties of camp were thoroughly ob-
served. The men of the Second were distinguished for their
bearing, and when detailed for any detached service their famil-
iarity with every duty was noticeable.
A most valuable corps of sharp-shooters was created for the
brigade by taking forty men from each regiment. This corps,
under Major D. W. Hurtt, Friday before the battle of Chan-
cellorsville, received the compliments of General (Stonewall)
Jackson, who was looking on when it drove the enemy's line
across a field and captured some prisoners. Ramseur mentions
Major Hurtt and his skirmishers in his official report.
The Second was doing picket duty on the Rappahannock
when the enemy, under Hooker, began his movement by the
right flank.
Friday morning the regiment, under Colonel W. R. Cox, was
moved up towards Chancellorsville, driving in the enemy's out-
posts. That night it lay so near the opposing line all orders s^ere
given in the lowest tones. The parole or sign and countersign
were employed — the first time in our experience. " Liberty" was
the parole "And Independence" the countersign. Its use was
dangerous, except among the most intelligent and .steady men.
To have lefii out the "and" that night would have cost a man his
life.
Saturday the memorable march of Jackson's Corps was made,
encircling the enemy's right flank and bringing us upon the
backs of Siegel's men about sunset. In the early morning the
170 North Cakolina Tkoops, 1861-'65.
Second halted in the road immediately opposite, where a few
feet from us sat General Lee and General Jackson, and we wit-
nessed the ceremonious salutations among officers of high rank
in the field. What became of Siegel's Corps is a matter of his-
tory. The honors were with our generals that day. The next
day the men with the guns were entitled to the glory.
General Grimes, then commanding the Fourth Eegiment, has
given an account of why we charged, and who should have
charged, mentioning that "three companies of the Second Regi-
ment charged" at the same time and with his regiment. Seven
companies of the Second charged, but they went in echelon, the
left leading and going far beyond the enemy's breastworks,
while the right did not reach it. Our going forward in this
order was by General Ramseur's command. Ramseur had just
parted from Grimes, and given orders to go forward. As he
approached our left he said: "Forward, Second!" The three
captains stood half-faced to the right, with eyes upon Colonel
Cox, who was plainly in view, waiting for his command, as in
duty bound. The men in the line were stooping like athletes
when General Ramseur said: "Forward at once!" The three
companies got the word first and dashed forward at top speed,
encouraged to believe that the fastest charge is the safest.
Colonel Cox, as soon as he understood the movement, led all
forward except three companies on the right, which were neces-
sary to protect our flank. We drove the enemy from his works
and down a hill, uncovering his batteries, which then had full
play on us at two hundred yards. We silenced the guns
immediately in front, but the enfilading fire was most disastrous.
The regiment, although successful in driving the enemy, lost
three-fourths of those present within about fifteen minutes —
three hundred out of four hundred.
A short time before the battle of Chancellorsville the color-
guard of the regiment was reformed, consisting of a sergeant and
a corporal from each company. Kindred Lewis was the ser-
geant selected. Every member of the regiment looked with
pride upon this splendid young soldier and his companions who
Second Regiment. 171
stood beside him. Tall, erect, in action like the herald Mer-
cury, he bore high the blue saltier on its field of crimson.
When the command "Charge!" was given, he rushed forward
to mount the wall of the enemy's defense. In that moment every
member of the color-guard was shot, and Lewis, who had leaped
upon the wall, fell forward on the outer side, killed instantly.
The regiment returned sadly to camp.
The next campaign was into the enemy's country. At Gettys-
burg, on the first day of the battle (July 1, 1 863), the Second Regi-
ment moved into the town, and was in Rodes' Division when he
occupied Oak Hill, breaking the enemy's line and throwing him
into confusion. The skirmishers of the brigade engaged a Penn-
sylvania regiment on the streets of the town and took its flag
from the color-bearer. Major Hurtt was severely wounded and
Ed. McLacklan killed. The second day the brigade was in
advance to the stonewall on Cemetery Hill. Ramseur asked
to be allowed to push forward and secure the position, but there
were reasons why it could not be done.
On the retreat the corps halted at Hagerstown, where General
Cullen A. Battle, of Alabama, who had just won the wreath of
a general officer by the very highest service in the field, was
requested to announce to the troops that Pembertou had sur-
rendered Vicksburg to Grant. The effect of the news of the
disaster was to make the troops wish to renew the battle at once.
Upon the return to Virginia the Second was engaged at Mine
Run and at Kelly's Ford, where we were unfortunate enough
to lose many of our best men by wounds and by capture. Com-
panies B, F and K were on picket duty, and not receiving timely
support, were the heaviest losers.
Winter quarters were chosen at Orange Court House.
Early in the spring of 1864 Grant began his "On to Richmond"
campaign by way of Spottsylvania, and met with such resistance
as the world never saw in the open field. The weakening of a part
of the line under General Edward Johnson being known, Han-
cock seized the opportunity and, under cover of a fog, at dawn
drove Johnson back, capturing most of his command. Then
172 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
came the crowaing glory of the career of Ramseur's Brigade —
the same faithful few — the Second, the Fourth, the Fourteenth
and the Thirtieth. Ordered into the breach, they drove the enemy
out of the angle just taken and back through every line to his
formidable breastworks, reclaiming all our lost ground.
At Chancellorsville the brigade received through General Lee
a message of praise from the dying lips of General Jackson. On
the field at Spottsylvania, General Lee directed Ramseur to
thank his men, and to say that they had saved that part of his
line.
Ramseur was made Major-General, and Cox, under whose
command we had fought since South Mountain, was given a
brigade. Happily for us, it was the old brigade, and we were
destined always to fight under his direction.
On May 22d we had a sharp fight at Hanover Junction, and
at Cold Harbor, June 2d, we were hotly engaged and lost severely.
Soon after our struggle with Grant we were ordered to Lynch-
burg to meet Hunter, who had come up the Valley of Virginia.
Other troops had preceded us, but we followed down the Valley
and sent our skirmishers into Harper's Ferry on the 4th of July
to feast on the dinner prepared by the United States officers for
" the day we celebrate."
General Early, in whose corps we then were, turned to the
eastward, toward Washington. At the Monocacy River our
march was impeded for a short time by General Lew Wallace,
of "Ben Hur" fame. He gave us several hundred prisoners before
flying behind the defenses of the city. Our regiment came in
view of Washington, but it was not to be supposed we could
take a city of such size and so defended. After our return to
Virginia we had a sharp and bloody engagement at Castleman's
Ford on the Shenandoah, near Perryville, under General Cox.
Here the noble-hearted Stallings fell. The enemy had the ad-
vantage of position after we had driven him back, and he could
not be dislodged.
Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek — these were bloody
battles, and never did the steadfast courage of our men show
Second Eegiment. 173
more conspicuously than on these fields. Moving about under
the dreadful hail of shell and shot, charged by the thundering
cavalry of Sheridan, their lines overlapped, no reserves to fall
back upon, their beloved leaders, Rodes, E,araseur, Stallings,
dead, and Cobb perhaps fatally wounded, they never lost their
grim determination, but fought in every direction, and kept to-
gether, whether driving the enemy or retreating before over-
whelming numbers.
At Winchester, under Rodes, we went to the support of
Ramseur, and drove the enemy across the hills until so far ad-
vanced we were recalled. In the retreat from Winchester the
brigade, under Cox, held the enemy in check and saved the
artillery corps.
At Fisher's Hill the division was commanded by General C.
A. Battle. The men of the Second remember him and his mag-
nificent brigade with kindest feeling and admiration, whether
fighting one another with snow balls or by their sides fighting
the enemy of our country. Lieutenant Richard D. Hancock
commanded the regiment. The brigade, under Cox (it was
known as Cox's Brigade from the battle of Spottsylvania, 12th
May, 1864), after fighting all day against fearful odds, withdrew
intact at the close of the day.
The Second Regiment suffered severely in this fight.
Ramseur took command of the division after Fisher's Hill.
No general officer was ever nearer to the hearts of his men than
Ramseur. He came to the brigade with his arm hanging use-
less at his side from a wound received in 1862, and soon won
the aff^ectionate regard of every man in his command.
"He was as full of valor as of kindness;
"Princely in both."
Within one month of the battle of Winchester, after an all-
night march, we came, at dawn, upon Crook's Corps. With a few
regiments fresh enough to meet with the cavalry and present an
unbroken front to the enemy, we could have swept the Valley.
Cox's Brigade captured more prisoners than his brigade num-
174 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
bered, and sent thousands flying down the Yalley. But Rani-
seur's Division could do no more.
In the three battles within a month we were much reduced in
numbers, and in such a charge as Cedar Creek, where the enemy
was flying, and in the subsequent encounters of the day, when the
field was lost, our men were much scattered. New Market was
the place appointed for rendezvous, where all the living came
together again.
The division from this time was commanded by General
Bryan Grimes, a worthy successor to such commanders as Hill,
Rodes and Ramseur, our former division generals. It was under
Grimes and Cox and James T. Scales that the regiment gave
the final proof of their quality. The battle in the snow in the
Valley, November 22d, was full of hardships. Pursuing cavalry
on foot, with shoes that hardly held to their feet, was painful in
the extreme.
In December the Second Regiment came near Richmond and
took part in the hard campaign before Petersburg. Toward the
end of March the division made a briHiant charge, driving the
enemy from his works and capturing twelve pieces of artillery
and a number of prisoners. The troops of the division on the
1st of April were at their former trade, retaking the works from
which others had been driven, and restoring the line, and on the
6th covering the retreat of the army and keeping the enemy in
check by desperate fighting throughout the day.
Grimes seemed to possess a charmed life, always to be seen in
the most exposed positions. The bullets were apparently unable to
reach him. Cox, equally reckless of personal danger, was not so
fortunate. He received five wounds at Chancellorsville alone, be-
sides many others at different tiaies. We always looked upon
General Cox as of our regiment (we were never separated), and
his history is the story of the Second Regiment. He appeared
to the clear eyes and honest heart of Ramseur as "the manly
and chivalrous Cox, of the Second North Carolina, the accom-
plished gentleman, splendid soldier and warm friend, who,
though wounded five times, remained with his regiment until
Second Regiment. 175
exhausted." Such was his character in the eyes of the men of
the Second.
On April 7th a charge was ffiade for the relief of Mahone,
who was hard pressed. The enemy was driven back and a
number of prisoners captured. General Lee again expressed his
appreciation of the conduct of the North Carolinians. The Gen-
eral seemed to have the gift of prophecy^ and gave the North
Carolinians on the field the meed of praise which was to be long
withheld in the history of their country.
The 8th was spent in marching towards Appomattox, which
was passed during the night. Sunday, the 9tfa of April, found
the regiment in front of the town, where it engaged the enemy,
and were driving him when withdrawn and ordered to join the
other divisions of Gordon's Corps.
Then the last scene of the greatest drama of modern times —
the surrender, the cry of mortification, the curse of defiance, the
tears of sorrow for our friends slain in battle, and above all, the
noble words of our great-hearted leader: "Human fortitude
should be above human calamity!"
The highest claim to distinction that any man in this country
can make is that he enlisted for the defense of his State at the
first call to arms, and fought with the armies in the field to the
last day at Appomattox.
All whose names are not inscribed on that last immortal roll
are envious of the honor. The officers and soldiers' of the Second
paroled at Appomattox were:
Officers — William. R. Cox, James Turner Scales, Robert
H. Jones, Richard D. Hancock, Garry Fulghum, Larry B.
Boyette, William J. Street, William T. Faircloth, William B.
Bell, Samuel P. Collier.
Company A — John E. Banner, James G. Burt.
Company B— Elliot Todd, W. C. Batts, Thomas Flowers,
Hodge Bass, Raiford Fulghum, Charles Maddry, Irvin Boykin,
Bunyon Stett, John C. Wells, Wiley Statt, John Renike,-
Simeon Moore.
176 North Carolina Troops, 1861-66.
Company C — Furney Herald.
Company D — Benjamin A. Howard, J. T. Edmundson, John
W. Fort, Franklin Webb, Harris Lamb, Leary B. Lamb, Wil-
liam Mumford, James T. Mitchell, William J. L. Mears.
Company E — L. R. Colley, L. W. Hackett, John Sills, John
T. Warren.
Company F— Daniel Lane, David Johnson, James Brinkley,
Lewis C. Taylor, John A. Poteat, Erasmus F. Page, Robert J.
Flake.
Company G — John Saunders, H. H. Young, Stephen Alli-
good.
Company I — George W. Fulghum, John Austin, David
Powers, A. C. Powell.
Company H — Jacob Williams, Robert Williams, Warren
Corbett, William B. Pike.
Every man who came safely through to that day should be
entitled to wear a badge indicating the distinction; then on
every ninth of April "should their names, familiar in our mouths
as household words, be freshly remembered."
Matt. Manly.
New Bern, N. C,
April 9, 1900.
THIED REGIMENT.
1. Gaston Meares, Colonel. 5. John F. S. VanBokkclen, Capt.,Co. D.
2. Wm. Lord BeRosset, Colonel. C. John Cowan, Captain, Co. D.
3. E. H. Cowan, Lieut.-Colonel. 7. James I. Metts, Captain, Co. G.
4. William M. Parsley, Lieut.-Colonel. 8. Rev. Geo. Patterson, D.D., Chaplain.
9. Thomas F. Wood, Assistant Snrgeon.
THIRD REGIMENT.
JOHN COWAN, Captain Company D.
JAMES I. METTS, Captain Company G.
The Third North Carolina Infantry, like all of the other regi-
ments sent by North Carolina to the field in the late civil war,
wrote for itself and the people from whom it came, upon
the field, retrieving lost but perilous positions in battle, in the
bivouac, upon the march, as well as in its number of slain and
wounded, a history, which hitherto locked up in the memory of its
members, remains as yet, a score and a half of years since the
eventful Appomattox, to be recited.
A proud boast it is of the sons of the " Old North State" that
they are not trumpeters of their own achievements, whether in
the forum, in legislative hall, or upon the field of battle; and
who can gainsay, since the colonization of the area which is
now bounded by the State lines of North Carolina, that they
have stood the peers of any with whom they came in contact?
So especially did the spirit of Christian charity, "in honor pre-
ferring one another," inspire her soldiers from 1861 to 1865.
Fired by an emulative zeal to attain unto the highest perfection
of duty, they recognized the common cause of all Confederate
soldiers. They were so imbued with that spirit of magnanimity,
that rather than pluck one laurel from the crown which adorned
the brow of their fellow-soldiers, they vied with each other in
adding to that emblem of triumph.
So, the history of one regiment of North Carolina Troops is
the history of another, save in the details which mark their
respective achievements in the different spheres in which fortune
called them to move. If encomiums of commanders, congrat-
12
178 NoETH Caeolina Teoops, 1861-'65. ■
ulatory orders for duty under the most disheartening and adverse
circumstances, and the indisputable facts of deeds accomplished
count for naught, then only are the North Carolina soldiers
without a record. Histories may have been published, false in
conception and untrue in statement, "the conceits of a warmed
or overweening brain," but the steadfast faith, the admiring gaze
has been riveted upon the soldiery of North Carolina from
Maryland to Texas.
Yea, more; some who have written from another than our
stand-point, who saw the conflict, its course and operations
through different lenses than those of the Southern side have,
in their impartial judgment, accorded the highest word of praise
to North Carolina Troops. The hillocks of Virginia, the
swamps of Georgia, the sands of the beach are mute cenotaphs
of her dead. Unparalleled in their devotion to the Union, they
were devout; loyal to the cause of the Confederacy, they were
sincere.
Figures are the most potent arguments in establishing the
truth or falsity of any proposition or cause.
This regiment, one of ten authorized by the Constitutional
Convention, enlisted for the war, and was composed of field offi-
cers, Gaston Meares, Colonel; Robert H. Cowan, Lieutenant-
Colonel; William L. DeRosset, Major, all of Wilmington, N. C,
and comprised the following companies :
Company A was raised in Greene county, and commanded by
Captain Robert H., Drysdale.
Company B was raised in Duplin, and commanded by Cap-
tain Stephen D. Thruston, M. D.
Company C was raised in Cumberland, and commanded by
Captain Peter Mallett. ,
Company D was raised in Wilmington, and commanded by
Captain Edward Savage.
Company E was raised in Onslow, and commanded by Cap-
tain M. L. F. Redd.
Company F was raised in Wilmington, and commanded by
Captain William M. Parsley.
Third Regiment, 179.
Company G was raised in Onslow, and commanded by Cap-
tain E. H. Rhodes.
Company H was raised in Bladen, and commanded by
Captain Theo. M. Sikes.
Company I was raised in Beaufort, and commanded by
Captain John R. Carmer.
Company K was raised in New Hanover (now Pender), and
commanded by Captain David Williams.
The several companies were ordered to assemble at Garys-
burg; and in the latter part of May they began to report to the
officer in charge of the camp. A portion of the Third was or-
dered to Richmond early in July, where it was joined some
weeks later by the remaining companies. A few days after the
first battle of Manassas the regiment was ordered to report to
Major-General T. H. Holmes at Acquia Creek, and went into
camp near Brooks' Station, on the Richmond, Fredericksburg
& Potomac Railroad, later moving camp to a point near the
Potomac River. As winter approached, having meantime built
substantial quarters, they took up their abode therein immedi-
ately in rear of the lower battery of those constructed for the de-
fense of Acquia Creek. Upon the evacuation of the line of the
Potomac, the Third North Carolina, with the First, was ordered
to Goldsboro to meet an expected advance of Burnside from New
Bern, remaining thereabouts until early in June, 1862. In May,
Lieutenant-Colonel Cowan having been promoted to the colon-
elcy of the Eighteenth North Carolina Infantry, Major DeRos-
set was made Lieutenant-Colonel and Captain Savage, Major.
It was with sincere regret that the regiment parted with Col-
onel Cowan; the officers and men of the command loved him,
and he Was recognized as the one as much as any other by whom
the regiment had been brought to its efficiency in discipline and
especially in drill. The esteem in which he was held was mani-
fested by the regiment by the presentation upon his departure ot
a magnificent horse.
The First and Third North Carolina Troops were under the
180 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
same brigade commanders from first to last; but, unfortunately,
were brigaded with troops from other States until the capture
at Spottsylvania Court House, 1864, of so many of the regi-
ment, and never received proper meed for their achievements.
First, Colonel John G. Walker was assigned to command the
brigade, then consisting of the First and Third North Carolina
and the Thirtieth Virginia and First Arkansas. The regi-
ment having been ordered to Richmond, arrived on the battle-
field of Seven Pines just after the battle had been fought. Here
it remained for several weeks, chiefly on picket duty, with an
occasional skirmish with the enemy, losing several of its men.
While here a new brigade was formed, composed of the First
and Third North Carolina, the Fourth and Forty-fourth Geor-
gia, and Brigadier-General R. S. Ripley was assigned to its
command, Major-General D. H. Hill being in command of the
division.
The march from Richmond was most trying to the raw troops
of the brigade, who had not then received their baptism of fire.
Passing thousands of dead and wounded from the time they left
the cars until they arrived on the battlefield, the groans and
cries of the wounded were not calculated to inspire the boys with
a martial spirit.
During the period from that date to the opening of the battles
around Richmond the command was in camp about six miles
from Richmond, drilling and preparing for the summer cam-
paign.
Late in the evening of June 25, 1862, Colonel Meares re-
ceived orders to march, and proceeding early next morning in a
northerly direction, we halted on the high hills on the south of
the Chickahominy where it is crossed by the Mechanicsville pike.
On the 26th of June, after a circuitous and fatiguing night
march, the regiment arrived in the vicinity of Mechanicsville.
Here a detail of one company from each regiment was made, and
Lieutenant-Colonel DeRosset, of the Third, was placed in com-
mand. The object of this select battalion was to clear the way
and examine the bridge across the Chickahominy. (A mine was
Thibd . Regiment. 181
thought to have been placed under it by the enemy). In order
to understand its duties more fully, its officers were sent to the
top of the hill near by, from which could be seen the route in-^
tended, etc. On this hill, and in range of the enemy's guns, a
group of distinguished Confederates were, assembled, composed
of President Davis, Mr. Randolph (Secretary of War), Generals
Lee, Longstreet and D. H. Hill, waiting to hear General Jack-
son's guns on the north side of Mechanics ville before ordering
an advance.
General Jackson being delayed, General Lee ordered an ad-
vance of this portion of the line after hearing the guns of Gen-
eral'A. P. Hill at Meadow Bridge. After the battalion alluded
to had examined and crossed the bridge, and cleared the field of
skirmishers, Ripley's Brigade having been selected as the as-
saulting column, was ordered across the bridge and to form a
line of battle. It advanced to the attack in front of the splen-
did artillery of the enemy strongly posted across the pond at
Ellyson's Mills. The regiment pressed forward in the face of
this heavy fire in open field for more than a mile, advancing
steadily to what seemed inevitable destruction, until it reached the
top of the hill, when a halt was ordered, bayonets fixed, and a
charge, led by Colonel Meares, was made down the hill, which
was checked by the canal; and after lying down a short while, the
regiment was ordered to the right and rear, and up the hill,
taking shelter in a skirt of woods, where we remained until just
before daybreak. We were so near the enemy that the least
noise, even the snapping of a twig, provoked their fire. From
thence, before day, we marched to Mechanicsville and were
placed in line of battle under a heavy artillery fire in the rear of
the Eighteenth North Carolina Infantry, until the enemy were
driven from their works on the opposite side of the creek. The
Third North Carolina lost perhaps less than either of the other
regiments. Major Savage being the only one of the field ofiScers
wounded.
Joining, after the battle, the forces of General Jackson, the
command was marched by a circuitous route to Cold Harbor, or
182 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Gaines' Mill, where the battle took place on the afternoon of
June 27th. Here the regiment, under the command of Colonel
Meares, with the exception of a small portion which had some-
how become detached, was exposed to a musketry and a very
severe artillery fire, and endured the ordeal known among all
soldiers to be the most trying to which they are subjected, that
of being under fire without being engaged in the fight. March-
ing thence, after two or three days' delay, the brigade found
itself in front of one of the bridges over the Chickahominy, which
had been destroyed by the enemy on the south side, who had
crossed the day before on the famous " grape-vine " bridge, some
distance above.
Here, being exposed to the enemy's fire of artillery without
the means of replying, Ripley was withdrawn into a heavy
woods on the northwest side of the road, lying there all day
under the artillery fire, at times very annoying, but with little
loss. This was the day of the battle of Frazer's Farm, a few
miles lower down the stream.
Next day, the enemy having withdrawn and the bridge hav-
ing been repaired, Ripley crossed and marched on Malvern Hill,
arriving there at noon, and was posted immediately in the rear
of what was known as the Parsonage, on the near side of the
road leading by Malvern Hill, and on the left of the army. Be-
ing ordered to advance, the whole line moved forward up the
hill, across the parsonage yard, into the road beyond. Being
under a most terrific fire of musketry and canister, and in close
proximity to the enemy stationed in an open field in front, the
left of the regiment penetrated the woods beyond, into the open
field, where it engaged the enemy, making several charges
upon him, led by Captain David Williams, of Company K, and
causing the battery in front to move back. To Captain Williams
and his men great praise should be accorded for their gallantry.
The right of the regiment, then in the road, after firing several
rounds, was ordered by Colonel Meares to lie down. At this
point Captain Parsley, of Company F, was wounded iu the neck,
fell, and Colonel Meares, being very near, went to him. The
Third Regiment. 183
regiment was thrown into some confusion prior to reaching this
position, owing to the fact that the Parsonage and yard referred
to were an obstruction.
About an hour before dusk word came from the left that Cap-
tain Brown, commanding the First North Carolina, was hard
pressed, and wanted assistance, when the gallant Colonel Meares
gave the command to move by the left flank. He, being on foot
in the road in front of the line, upon reaching a point near the
left of the Third, stopped, and mounting the bank on the side of
the road, was using his field-glass surveying the Federal lines,
when he was instantly killed by a slug from a shrapnel fired
from a battery directly in front, said to be the Third Rhode
Island Battery, not over . seventy-five yards distant. Colonel
Meares was a digflified and elegant gentleman and a true type of
a soldier. Kind, humane, intrepid, he always commanded the
admiration of his regiment, for in him they recognised a leader
who would lead.
Night came at last to end this bloody and disastrous struggle,
though the firing was kept up until about 11 o'clock. Darkness
revealed the explosive balls which the Yankees fired at us, as
they struck the fences in front and rear and the undergrowth. The
removal of the wounded back to Bethesda Church, our hospital,
was pushed with vigor. So great was the loss of all commands
in the field and road that one could walk hundreds of yards on
the dead and wounded without touching the ground.
The next day the dead of these two regiments, the First and
Third, were found nearer to those of the enemy than were those
of any other troops on this part of the line, proving that they
approached nearer the enemy's line of battle than any of the
regiments that fought on this part of the field. The regiment
suffered heavily in this engagement. The Third held its posi-
tion during the night and bivouacked near that point for several
days, when the brigade was ordered back to the old camping-
grounds nearer Richmond. Ripley lay in camp for several
weeks, while details were made to work on the intrenchments in
184 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-'65.
our front and for several miles down towards the Chickahominy,
and other details gathered arms from several battlefields.
In the latter part of July, Colonel DeRosset returned from
Ealeigh, and brought with him four hundred conscripts, who
were at once divided into squads, and, under command of non-
commissioned officers, were drilled several hours daily. This
not only helped to discipline the raw levies, but hardened them
somewhat, thus enabling them the better to stand the strains in-
cident to the march into Maryland, which soon followed.
About the 9th of August the regiment moved in the direction
the army had taken, passing the battlefield of Cedar Mountain,
and was in reserve at second Manassas and Chantilly. After-
wards it crossed the Potomac at Point of Rocks and camped near
Frederick,'^Md., where it remained for several days, then crossed
the South Mountain at Crampton's Gap and remained at Boons-
boro until the 14th, when it participated in the battle of the
gap, Ripley's Brigade marched by a road leading towards the
Boonsboro and Sharpsburg pike. On reaching a point on the
crest of the hill, just after crossing the Antietam on the stone
bridge, the command was placed in line of battle under the hill,
the right of the Third North Carolina, in the absence of the
Fourth Georgia, on the right of the bridge, and resting on the
Boonsboro pike. This was on the evening of the 15th, and the
brigade remained in that position until the evening of the 16th,
under a heavy artillery fire from the enemy's guns on the side of
the creek, but without loss, being well protected by the crest of
the hill under which they lay.
We now give in full the graphic account of the battle of
Sharpsburg, written by Colonel S. D. Thruston.
COLONEL THRUSTON'S ACCOUNT.
On the evening of the 16th September, 1862, being in line
of battle in front of the town of Sharpsburg, a little be-
fore sunset we were moved, left in front, from this position,
along the Sharpsburg- Hagerstown pike, some distance to the
left, until reaching the mouth of a lane (apparently a private
Third Eegiment. 185
road leading to a farm) leading in a generally perpendicular
direction from the pike to the Antietam; following this lane a
short distance, we again filed to the left, across the field and
halted under the brow of a hill, on which and in front was a
white farm-house (Mumma's) about two hundred yards distant.
A little to the right and rear of this honse was an apple orchard
surrounded by a rail fence. In this position we slept, to be
aroused at early dawn of the 17th by the guns of the enemy.
Before advancing to the attack the house was set on fire by order
of General Hill, three men from the Third North Carolina In-
fantry— Lieutenant Jim Clark was one of the three, also Jim
Knight — volunteering to perform the duty.
The order to advance was then given, and we moved up the
slope of the hill until reaching the fence around the orchard,
where we halted to give time for the left centre of the brigade to
pass the obstruction of the burning house. (It was at this fence
Ripley was hit in the throat). The house being passed, the
Third North Carolina Infantry mounted over the fence and
through the orchard, when the order was- given to change direc-
tion to the left, to meet the pressure upon General Jackson, near
what is known as the Dunkard Church, on the Sharpsburg-
Hagerstown pike. This change of front was admirable, though
executed under a heavy fire of infantry and artillery. Owing to
this change our line of battle was five hundred yards further to
the left than that of the early morning, when first ordered to ad-
vance, which brought us in close connection with the troops of the
right, and in the deadly embrace of the enemy. I use the word
embrace in its fullest meaning. Here Colonel DeRosset fell,
severely wounded, and permanently disabled, Captain Thruston
taking command at once.
It was now about 7 : 30 A. m. Jackson's troops were in the
woods around and west of the Dunkard Church and north of the
Sharpsburg-Hagerstown pike. As we came up he advanced and
drove the enemy back across a corn field and into a piece of
woods east and north of the church; here the enemy, being re-
inforced by Mansfield's Corps of three divisions, returned to the
186 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
assault, and the fight became desperate for an hour. The two
weak divisions of Jackson aud one brigade of D. H. Hill fought
and held in check the six divisions of Hooker and Mansfield. So
tenaciously did these brave troops cling to the earth, that when
re-inforced by Hood and two brigades of D. H. Hill, they were
still north of the pike and contending for every inch of ground
between it and the corn field in front. At the moment when
their ammunition was absolutely exhausted, and all had been
used from the boxes and pockets of their wounded and dead
comrades, the re-inforcements of Hill and Hood, above referred
to, came up and stayed the tide for a short time. Now Sumner,
with his three divisions, put in an appearance, when our thin
lines were slowly pressed back, by weight of numbers, into the
woods and beyond the church to the edge of a field to the south,
through which the? divisions of Walker and McLaws were
hurrying to our assistance. When the Third North Carolina
laid down on the edge of the field to allow their friends to pass
over them to the front, there was not one single cartridge in the
command, and every gun was empty. It was now about 10:30
o'clock A. M., so that the men of this gallant regiment had been
fighting vast odds for three hours, never quitting the field until
absolutely pushed off, and not then until every cartridge of the
living and the dead had been exhausted.
One curious incident of this morning's battle was when Mans-
field's Corps came into action a Federal division marched up,
and halting in column of battalions in the west woods, part of
the time within one hundred yards of the right of the Third
North Carolina, made no effort to advance, although for five
hundred yards to our right there was nothing to prevent its
doing so. Nor did this division make any show of resistance
until attacked b^ Colquitt's and Garland's Brigades (the latter
under Colonel D. K. MacRae), when we were re-inforced by
General Hill. The only grounds upon which we can account
for this are that this division was covering the movements
of Richardson and French, who were preparing to assault our
centre, now desperately weakened, at a point now known as the
Thied Regiment. 187
"Bloody Lane." This conjecture is based on the fact that these
two divisions did make an attaclc at that point a short time after
Hill had sent his two brigades from that position to re-inforce
the left, and just as Walker came to the relief of Hill. It is a
fact, that for five hundred yards on our right, that is, from the
right of the Third North Carolina to the left of Hill, there was
a gap in our lines, directly in front of which, in the early part
of the engagement, a Federal division halted and remained
halted until it was filled by a part of Walker's Division. The
gap existed, and the enemy was expected every minute to march
through.
In the June "Century" Longstreet (page 313) speaks of Col-
onel Cooke's holding a fence without ammunition, while his staff
(Longstreet's) fought two guns of the Washington Artillery.
He does not say that while working the guns the Third North
Carolina, having refilled its cartridge-boxes, and going to the
front a second time, volunteered to relieve Colonel Cooke's
Twenty-seventh North Carolina, and while doing so two more
full batteries also came to his relief, from whose duels with the
enemy the Third North Carolina suffered severely. He says
nothing about my message to him by Lieutenant Craig, who
rather exaggeratingly delivered it thus : " Captain sends his
compliments, and requests re-inforcements, as he has only one
man to every panel of fence, and the enemy is strong and very
active in his front," and his reply : " Tell Captain Thruston he
must hold his position if he has only one man to every sixteen
panels of fence. I have no assistance to send him." Nor does
he say how faithfully this order was obeyed, by which the regi-
ment remained on that hill and under that fence, with the rails
of which the enemy's artillery played battle-dore and shuttle-
cock from midday of the 17th until 10 o'clock A. M. of the 18th,
with not so much as one drop of water. Yet these are facts,
and stand a monument to the soldierly endurance of the Third
North Carolina on the memorable field of Sharpsburg.
It was while riding with General D. H. Hill on the morn-
ing of the 18th, to obtain a regiment to relieve the Third North
188 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Carolina from that position at the fence, that he said: "Your
regiment fought nobly yesterday." The words are well remem-
bered, as we all know that a compliment from General Hill was
of the rarest sort.
The tenacity with which the Third Regiment held its ground
in front of the Dunkard Church, entirely unsupported on its
right, and with a very thin line on its left, with three separate lines
of the enemy pelting it mercilessly in front and a reserve column
standing like a hound in the leash on its immediate right, wait-
ing its chance to pounce upon it as soon as any wavering was
seen; its steadiness when ammunition began to run short, and
the cartridge-boxes and pockets of the wounded and dead were
emptied to meet its necessities; the sullen backward step, as inch
by inch it was pressed from its line, all pronounce it, with voices
loud, a fearless, enduring, self-reliant body of as glorious men
as were ever led to battle. Every man seemed to know and feel
the responsibility of his position ; seemed to know that there was
no help to send him, and that he must do or die until relief
had time to reach him from the rear, or Lee's army was doomed.
And how thoroughly was that duty performed. Twice, be-
fore any relief or re-inforeements came, did the regiment, when
reduced to a handful, but that handful dauntless, stand and
receive the volleys of the Federals at twenty paces, and then,
with a yell, dash and drive back the foe. As Colquitt's Brigade
dashed in splendidly on our right, the joyful yell : " Come on,
boys; we've no ammunition, but we will go with you!" was
heard over the din of battle. But human endurance has a limit.
At this moment the third re-inforcement, in the shape of Sum-
ner's Corps, was marched to the Federal assistance, and our
brave boys were forced stubbornly and sullenly from the field.
Their duty was nobly done; their -sacrifice had enabled Walker
and McLaws to come up, and the day was saved.
Thus was fought, and successfully, the battle of thg Third
North Carolina Infantry at Sharpsburg; and if it had been re-
tired from service and had not fired another gun, the endurance
fearlessness, tenacity and valor of that day would have been a
Third Eegiment. 189
crown of glory suitable to adorn the brow of the bravest of the
brave. In truth, this one North Carolina regiment was in the
vortex of the fire, the pivot upon which success or annihilation
turned, and thank God, it stood the test and saved the day.
Of the twenty-seven officers who went into action on that
memorable morning all save three were disabled and seven killed.
Captain McNair, of Company H, was badly wounded in the leg
early in the day, but refused to leave, although urged to do so
by the Colonel, and soon after gave up his life-blood on his
country's altar.
The official report of the division commander gives the loss in
the Third North Carolina, but it is less than was reported at the
close of the day by Lieutenant J. S. F. Van Bokkelen, acting
Adjutant, who stated that of the five hundred and twenty car-
ried into action only one hundred and ninety could be accounted
for.
Ripley's Brigade, after bearing the brunt of the battle, was
ordered to retreat, the enemy not pursuing. The manner of this
retreat was slow and in order, and under General Hill's personal
supervision. Observing an abandoned caisson, he (Hill) ordered
the soldiers to remove it from the field, remarking : " We will
not leave the enemy so much as a wheel." We continued the
retreat to the Dunkard Church, on the Hagerstown road, where,
after being supplied with ammunition, our lines were reformed,
the enemy making no further demonstration on that day. The
following day the troops rested on the field, in plain view of the
enemy's lines, and during the night crossed the swollen Potomac
at Shepherdstown, marched to Bunker Hill, where they biv-
ouacked for several weeks, being employed in watching the
enemy and tearing up the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at night,
near Martinsburg, Charlestown and Harper's Ferry.
After resting several weeks in the lower valley the army
moved by way of New Market Gap, passing Orange Court
House in the direction of Fredericksburg. While in bivouac
for the night near Gordonsville, General Hill issued orders re-
quiring company commanders to see that the bare-footed men
190 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
made moccasins for themselves of the hides just taken from the
beeves, and the brigade continued its march to Port Royal, on
the Rappahannock, whpre it remained for several days. On the
morning of the 12th of December the troops moved back in the
direction of Fredericksburg, marching the greater part of the
night, and reached Hamilton's Crossing on the morning of the
13th. This regiment was in the second line until the evening
of the first day, when it took position in the first line. The
enemy being driven back, we lay on the field, anticipating an-
other furious battle, and " bitterly thought of the morrow," but
no blood was shed this day. The enemy sent a flag of truce on
the 14th, asking permission of General Jackson to remove his
dead and wounded. The enemy retreated, and thus ended the
first battle of Fredericksburg.
After this the regiment built and occupied winter quarters on
the Rappahannock, near Skinker's Neck. Here we spent the
winter of 1862-'63 on picket duty along the river. While sta-
tioned at this point this regiment, which had been in Major-
General D. H. Hill's Division, was now changed to Jackson's old
division, commanded by Major-General Trimble, and our gal-
lant Georgia comrades, the Fourth and Forty-fourth Regiments,
were exchanged for the Tenth, Twenty-third and Thirty-seventh
Virginia Regiments. These regiments, with the First and Third
North Carolina, formed a new brigade, and Brigadier-General
R. E. Colston was assigned to command it.
Lest the continuity in the promotion of the field officers should
not be apparent to all, and especially such as are unacquainted
with the military gradation below the rank of a general officer,
we formulate it with the following result : After the death of
Colonel Meares at Malvern Hill, Lieutenant-Colonel DeRosset
was promoted to Colonel, Major Savage became Lieutenant-
Colonel, and Captain S. D. Thruston, Major. You will observe
in Colonel Thruston's account of :the battle of Sharpsburg (not
report, as it appears, for it was written some years after the
war) that he refers to himself as Captain; his commission as
Major had not then reached him, owing to the rapid and uncer-
Third Eegiment. 191
tain direction of the movements of the army, and consequently
the greater uncertainty of the mails. It not infrequently hap-
pened that commissions were dated months prior to their being
received by officers in the Army of Northern Virginia for whom
they were intended. Subsequent to the battle of Sharpsburg
Colonel Savage resigned on account of ill health, Major Thi'us-
ton then became Lieutenant-Colonel, and Captain William M.
Parsley was promoted to Major. Subsequently Colonel DeRosset
resigned his commission, having been disabled by a wound re-
ceived at Sharpsburg. By regular gradation then Lieutenant-
Colonel Thruston became Colonel, Major Parsley became Lieu-
tenant-Colonel, and Captain W. T,. Ennett was promoted to
Major. Such was the personnel of the field officers prior to the
battle of Chancellorsville, in May, 1863, and so it remained
until the close of the war. The regiment was ever after this-
time commanded either by Colonel Thruston or Lieutenant-
Colonel Parsley, as further narration will show, save for three
days after the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Parsley, which oc-
curred April 6, 1865, and until the surrender, April 9, 1866,
when Major Ennett was in command.
On the 29th of April, 1863, this regiment, commanded by
Lieutenant-Colonel S. D. Thruston, left its camp at Skinker's
Neck and marched to Hamilton's Crossing, thence in the direc-
tion of Chancellorsville. On the 2d of May, Saturday morning,
was commenced that grand strategic movement which has since
been the wonder and admiration of the world. Rapidly march-
ing around the enemy's lines to his right and rear, crossing the
plank-road and arriving on the old turnpike about 4 o'clock p. M.,
two and a half miles west of Chancellorsville, having marched
in all more than fifteen miles in a few hours, and about five
miles in a direct line from the starting point in the morning,
Jackson's Corps had been detached from the main body of the
army to make this attack.
Regimental commanders were ordered to march in rear of
their regiments, with a guard of strong men with fixed bayonets,
to prevent straggling. Immediately on arriving at the stone
192 North Carolina Troops, 1861-66.
road the troops were formed in three lines of battle, Colston's
Brigade being in the second line. The order to advance was
obeyed with promptness. Rushing on toward the enemy's
camp, the first scene that can be recalled is the abundant supply
of beef and slaughtered rations cooking. The Federal General
Schiramelfennig's Brigade suffered heavily as prisoners. The
whole affair was a wild scene of triumph on our part. Thus we
continued the pursuit until night, when the enemy made a stand
within a mile of the Chancellor house. Here great confusion
ensued. The two front lines having become mingled, were
halted and reformed. Shortly after it was charged by a com-
pany of Federal cavalry, which proved to be a part of the Eighth
Pennsylvania. The greater portion of them were unhorsed and
captured. This was a critical period in the battle, and General
Jackson seemed unusually anxious. The iighting was kept up
until night, when this regiment was relieved and put in the
second line, and during the first part, and even up to midnight,
they were exposed to a terrific cannonading. Our men were
completely exhausted from the forced march and the three or
four hours of brisk fighting. Our position had to be changed
from the time that we were placed in the second line until about
midnight, and most of the time without avail, until the enemy's
fire ceased, before our men could get any rest. They would
locate our troops in the second line and so time the fuses that
their shells would explode just over our heads.
On Sunday, the 3d instant, the regiment was formed on the
right of the road, and, advancing, captured the first line of the
enemy's works — a barricade of huge logs with abatis in front.
The portion of these works that crossed a ravine and swamp,
and which was favorable to the occupancy of the enemy, was
assaulted three times by the Confederates before it was finally
held. During one of these assaults Colonel Thruston was
wounded, and the command devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel
Parsley, who remained in command during the campaign of
1863, known as the Pennsylvania campaign. This regiment
participated in the last two of these charges. It was then that
Third Eegiment. 193
General J. E. B. Stuart, who was in command (Generals Jack-
son and Hill having been wounded on the evening before), or-
dered the whole line forward. The enemy's earth-works in front
were carried by storm, and many pieces of artillery, which had
occupied them, were captured. We were now in full view of
the Chancellor house, and the captured guns were turned on
the fleeing enemy. Soon the Chancellor house was in flames,
and a glorious victory perched upon our banners.
The Confederate line was again moved forward, and executed
a wheel to the left, bringing this brigade and regiment immedi-
ately to the Chancellor house, hence this brigade, which had
been commanded since early in the day by Lieutenant-Colonel
Brown, of the First North Carolina Infantry, the other ofiicers
of the brigade ranking him having been wounded,^was the first
of the Confederate troops to reach the Chancellor house. Dur-
ing one of these assaults alluded to above, this brigade'i^became
detached from the division, and when it arrived at the Chancel-
lor house was between two of Major-General Rodes' brigades.
On the 6th the brigade marched to U. S. Ford. While here the
enemy was permitted by General Lee to lay a pontoon bridge
and send over .about one thousand ambulances to the battlefield
of Chancellorsville for his wounded. The ofiicers of this regi-
ment and brigade acted on the part of the Confederates to carry
out these negotiations, General Sharp, Deputy Provost Marshal
of the Army of the Potomac, acting on the part of the enemy.
A whole week was consumed in effecting this object, after which
the brigade was removed and operations resumed. The troops
now returned to the vicinity of Fredericksburg.
Early in June, 1863, soon after the Chancellorsville battle,
Major-General Edward Johnson was assigned to command the
Stonewall Division and General George H. Stewart, Colston's
Brigade. The division was now composed of Paxton's, or the
First Brigade, known as the Stonewall Brigade; Jones', or the
Second Brigade; and Colston's, now George H. Stewart's, the
Third Brigade, Lieutenant-Colonel Parsley being in command
of the Third Eegiment.
13
194 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
The army now marched in the direction of Winchester, cross-
ing the Blue Ridge at Chester Gap and participating in the bat-
tle of Winchester on the 13th and 14th June, 1863. This bri-
gade marched all night, and by indirect route arrived at day-
light on the 15th five miles below Winchester. This movement
was intended to intercept and capture the fleeing troops of Gen-
eral Milroy, who had been driven from Winchester on the pre-
vious evening. After a sharp contest at Jordan Springs more
than twenty-five hundred of the enemy threw down their guns.
This engagement, though of short duration, was decidedly of an
active character on both sides, and this regiment, as was its
wont, was in the thickest of the fray. In this battle George
Rouse, of Company D, was killed, and Lieutenant Craig and
others wounded. Our position being in a railroad cut, we were
in a great measure protected from the enemy's bullets. While
Stewart's Brigade /om^i'/i^ the battle, a guard from the Stonewall
Brigade was sent to Richmond with the prisoners, and were
highly commended for gallantry, which praise belonged to this
brigade.
On the 18th June, 1863, the regiment crossed the Potomac at
Shepherdstown and encamped near the Dunkard Church, in a
piece of woods embraced in the battlefield of Sharpsburg.
While here and in the quietude of twilight, when all nature
seemed to be in repose, and so emblematic of those weary souls
which slept peacefully under the sod of this spot, made so mem-
orable by the heroism displayed by them scarcely a twelvemonth
ago, the First and Third Regiments assembled, and with arms
reversed and to the roll of the muflied drum marched to the bat-
tlefield, where the Rev. George Patterson, Chaplain of the Third,
read the burial services. A detail of men under the command
of Lieutenant James I. Metts (afterwards Captain) had previ-
ously during the day fired a military salute over the spot where
their bodies were buried. Upon this solemn occasion many
tears stole down the bronzed cheeks of the old veterans, and all
heads were bowed in grief.
From this camp the regiment, with the brigade, marched via
Third Eegiment. 195
HagerstowD to Chambersburg, Greencastle and McConnelsburg,
to the vicinity of Carlisle, from which point we counter-marched,
and after a very long and tiresome march, on the 1st of July,
1863, arrived at Gettysburg about 7:30 o'clock, and filed to
the left, nearly encircling the town. Here we lay in line of bat-
tle until the evening of the 2d, when about 6 o'clock we were
ordered forward. We were on the right of the brigade and were
ordered to connect our right with the left of Nichols' (La.) Bri-
gade, and at the same time by yvheel to the right to properly
prolong their lines. We did so, thereby in some degree discon-
necting our regiment from the rest of the brigade. We contin-
ued to the front, driving the enemy's skirmishers before us with-
out trouble, and with very little loss, until we met his line of
battle at his first line of breastworks. He was, however,
driven from those, and soon thereafter we received a front and
oblique fire from behind his second line of breastworks, to
which he had fallen back. He was soon driven from the por-
tion from which we received the oblique fire, and then the fire
from the front seemed even more terrific. A steady firing was
kept up until 10 o'clock p. M., when, as by common consent, it
ceased, re-opening at 4:30 o'clock next morning. We here
found our ammunition nearly exhausted, some men having not
more than two rounds. We partially refilled our cartridge-boxes
from those of the dead and wounded, of whom there was a great
number, and held this position that night and the next morning,
exposed to a terrific fire until about 10:30 o'clock p. m., when
we were ordered to move by the left flank along the line of the
captured breastworks, and to cross them and form line with the
rest of the brigade to charge the enemy's works on what was sup-
posed to be his right flank. The few men then remaining in
the regiment were formed on the right of the brigade and very'
soon thereafter were ordered forward, the line advancing beauti-
fully under the heaviest fire, until we found our regiment alone
moving to the front, unsupported, when the officers and men
were ordered to withdraw, which was done slowly and without
confusion, the regiment being greatly reduced (one company —
196 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Captain John Cowan's — and part of another being detached to
fill up a space between the regiment and the Louisiana brigade).
Too much praise cannot be given to the officers and men of our
command for their coolness and bravery, for the promptness
with which they obeyed all orders given them, and their untiring
zeal generally. The enemy was driven back to the Baltimore
turnpike in this charge by Stewart's Brigade, which came so
near inflicting a critical blow on the enemy's extreme right flank.
Had this gallant movement been supported the charge of Long-
street would not have been necesssary.
That last charge on the third day was a cruel thing for the
Third. They had borne their full share of the engagement, not
even enjoying the protection of the works they had captured
from the enemy, by reason of their position, other regiments of
the brigade happening by the fortunes of the battle to have them
(breastworks) in their front. There they stood, heroes, holding
their ground unprotected, receiving a most deadly fire, giving in
turn, like true soldiers, what they could from their decimated
ranks, most of their comrades being already down, dead or
wounded, until ordered to the right to join the balance of the bri-
gade to participate in the charge.
The battle of Gettysburg is generally conceded to have been
the hardest fought battle of the war on either side; at least of
those in which General Lee's army was engaged. This regiment
certainly suffered more in killed and wounded than in any of
the many battles in which it was engaged. What fearful slaugh-
ter it endured is shown beyond peradventure by the figures.
Entering the battle with three hundred guns, it was greatly
reduced by the killing and wounding of two hundred and twenty-
three men. When the regiment was mustered after the battle,
seventy-seven muskets were all that could be gotten in the ranks,
and it lost no prisoners and had no stragglers. The loss was
within a fraction of seventy-five per cent. Colonel Parsley,
Captain E. H. Armstrong and Lieutenant Lyon were the only
officers, perhaps, not killed or wounded.
Next day we turned our faces toward Virginia, and after sev-
Third Regiment. 197
eral skirmishes and hard marches, arrived at Williamsport, Md.,
and forded the swollen Potomac on the 15th, the men having to
put their cartridge-boxes on their bayonets to keep them above
the water. After various marches via Front Royal and Page
Valley, and with some skirmishing, we reached Orange Court
House early in August and participated in the Bristow cam-
paign in October, 1863, with an occasional skirmish with the
enemy.
Prior to going into winter quarters, while in bivouac, the
order was given about noon of November 27th for the march
instanter, probably to go in force on a reconnoitering expedition,
as the sequel would seem to show. However, on the first and
only day of the march, about 3 o'clock p. m. on November 27,
1863, the battle of Payne's Farm was fought by Johnson's Di-
vision, of which this regiment formed a part. This was de-
cidedly one of the most unique battles, in all the details con-
nected with it, in the annals of warfare, being conducted, seem-
ingly, regardless of tactical evolutions. A body of troops march-
ing slowly along a country road, with no idea that their progress
would be impeded or their right to proceed peaceably questioned,
indulging in the characteristic chat which was usual among
troops of the "same persuasion," passing two or three cavalry-
men dressed in gray, who had reined their horse to the side of
the road and were quietly at a stand-still, ostensibly waiting for
the column to pass, and when questioned by the men, as they
would reach them, as to the whereabouts of the enemy, or in the
usual vernacular, " have you seen any Yankees around this way ? "
with the utmost assurance replying, " No, there are no Yankees
within miles of this place." Imagine that under such condi-
tions, and within a few minutes after the rear of the column had
passed the point where the cavalrymen, who doubtless were'
spies, were stationed, this small body of troops being suddenly
fired upon; what consternation, demoralization, is likely to ensue
among any troops, raw or veterans, and yet these heroes of many
a hard-fought battle, who had been in so many perilous positions,
stood the test of this hazardous situation. Skirmishers are at
198 NoKTH Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
once thrown out, and meet with a hot fire. They are confronted
either by a line of skirmishers vastly outnumbering them, or by
a close line of troops ; they are checked and have to be re-inforced
to enable them to hold their ground. The enemy, which proved
to be French's Corps of infantry, has evidently flanked us, for
our line of battle is immediately formed perpendicular to our
line of march, and facing the direction from which we were
marching, and then begins as warm a contest as this regiment
was ever engaged in for the same length of time. It seemed as
if the enemy was throwing minnie-balls upon us by the bucket-
full, when the battle got fairly under way. The First and Third
North Carolina Regiments charged across a field and routed the
men who were there in a skirt of woods and in their front.
Our casualties were many for a fight of such short duration.
General Johnson's horse was killed under him; he immediately
mounted the horse of a courier and continued the direction of
the battle. We drove the enemy back, completing the job by
nightfall, and then pursued our way to Mine Run. So adroitly
did General Johnson handle his troops at Payne's Farm, and so
successfully did he extricate them from the chaotic situation de-
scribed, being further successful in repelling the enemy who were,
numerically, by long odds superior to his command, that he was
complimented in a special congratulatory order by General Lee.
Reaching Mine Run, we remained in line of battle several
days. Pickets in force were of course kept out day and night.
The weather was as cold as we ever experienced; raining, too,
which added to the disagreeableness of the situation. The men
on the picket-line were almost benumbed with cold, for fires were
prohibited by special order, as if to emphasize the precarious
situation at this particular juncture. Officers in command of
the picket-lines did endeavor, and successfully, to keep up the
spirits of the men; not that the men were wanting in patriotic
fervor, or that their characteristic fortitude had abated one
jot or tittle, but human endurance hath limits, and poorly fed,
and worse clad, their sufi^ering was intense. When the men
were stationed on the picket-line after dark, they remained sta-
Third Regiment. 199
tionary until relieved the next night, and were expected to be
the eyes and ears of that particular post or point; for the inter-
val between the pickets was short, and each man was required to
exercise the extremest surveillance over that part assigned to him
individually. There was a consolatory reflection even at that
time, founded upon the hypothesis that "misery loves com-
pany," to-wit, the enemy were in the same plight we were.
There we lay, watching each other for several days, and beyond
an occasional artillery duel, for a short time, and an occasional
fire of musketry from one side or the other at some soldier
who was sent out from one of the flanks to ascertain what he
could, nothing occurred. The temperature was well down to
zero and the biting cold was such as to chill the warmest resolu-
tion, and when both sides marched (or stole) away, each was
glad.
This ended the campaign of 1863, Wnd the regiment built and
occupied winter quarters near the Rapidan River and did picket
duty along that river at Mitchell's Ford during the winter
1863-'64. The writers again find themselves under special
obligations to Colonel S. D. Thruston, who has so vividly de-
scribed events from the 4th to the 10th, when he was wounded;
and as he says in an elaborate account covering those seven
days : " The only object is simply to put upon record, for history,
those men and comrades who at the time had no one to do that
duty for them."
On the morning of May 4, 1864, the brigade, commanded
by General George H. Stewart, being on pfcket along the Rapi-
dan, discovered the columns of the Federal army in the distance,
moving to the right, and apparently to the river below. The
order soon came to be ready to move, and at midday the brigade
took up the line of march in the direction of Locust Grove, a
point on the old stone pike running from Orange Court House
to Fredericksburg. This point was reached and passed in the
evening of the same day, and the brigade went into bivouac
about two and one half miles beyond. The night was passed in
quiet. The next morning (May 5th) about 10 :30 o'clock, a few
200 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
scattering shots being heard in the front, the troops were called
to arms and put in motion towards the firing. We soon discov-
ered that the Sixth Corps of the Federal army was posted in line
of battle, while the remainder of the Array of the Potomac
was passing on the right, along the road from Germania Ford,
immediately in the rear of this line to cover the movement.
Ewell's Corps, our brigade forming a part, and the Sixth Fed-
eral Corps were then both in what was known and always called
the Wilderness, the name being derived from the character of
the land, which is described as "covered with a matted growth
of scrub oak, stunted pine, sweet-gum brush and dogwood," and
the two corps of which we write were only separated by a few
hundred yards. Stewart's Brigade was in column on the. pike a
very few minutes after the firing began at 10:30 oclock A. M.
Line of battle was immediately formed in the following order:
The Third North Carolina to the right, the First North Caro-
lina across, and the Virginia regiments to the left of the pike.
It was now 10:30 o'clock a. m. (The line advanced and struck
a stout line of Federal infantry in a thicket of pines skirting a
field. This line of Federals was assaulted, and after a hard fight
the Third North Carolina Regiment and the First North Caro-
lina Regiment captured two pieces of artillery and more than one
hundred prisoners. Here Colonel Jenkins, of the One Hundred
and Forty-sixth New York Regiment, was killed. Lieutenant
Shelton, commanding the battery (Battery D, New York Light
Artillery), the captain, Winslow, having been wounded, at last
surrendered two guns, howitzers, the other two escaping. We
attempted to bring oiF the two guus captured, and did get them
some distance, but the enemy, being re-inforced, made an ad-
vance, and we were in turn driven back to our first position,
leaving the guns between the lines. Preceding and up to the
capture of the howitzers referred to the fighting was des-
perate, muskets and their butt-ends and bayonets being used.
At one time there was such an intermingling of troops that con-
fusion decidedly predominated; every man was going it on his
own hook, for it was a hand-to-hand contest. We recall that
Thied Eegiment. 201
in a gully which formed a part of the topography of this battle-
field, and which ran for more than a brigade front, Confederates
and Federals were so nearly on even terms, or at equal advan-
tage, that they were simultaneously demanding each other to
surrender. However we succeeded in establishing the superior-
ity of our claim, and came off victors. It was now about
2 o'clock p. M. No more fighting was .done on this front, save
a few picket shots and a feeble attempt of the enemy late in the
afternoon to recapture the two guns, which still remained be-
tween the lines and at a point to which we had pulled them in the
morning. This was a signal failure, and the repulse was largely
assisted by the men of the First and Third North Carolina.
After dark the two howitzers were brought in by details from
the two North Carolina regiments.
We would like just here, and in connection with the joint cap-
ture of a section of that battery, to emphasize the afiinity which
obtained between the First and Third North Carolina Infantry.
Beginning their military career together, fate had not separated
them for now three years; military duty of whatever kind that
was assigned to one befell the other also; the glory of the one
was the boast of the other, the misfortune of one the sorrow of
the other; they achieved renown in common, they suffered de-
feat together.
In the early morning of the 6th, Stewart's Brigade was closed
in to the left, until its right rested on the pike, with Jones'
(Virginia) Brigade on its right, which connected with the left
of Battle's (Alabama) Brigade. Several vigorous attempts were
made during the day by the enemy by attack upon that quarter,
to force the line to the left, but they were as vigorously repulsed,
and then we would return to our position of the morning.
The morning of the 7th revealed the enemy gone, and the
day was spent by the men in congratulations. Late in the even-
ing of this day the brigade began closing or extending — cannot
call it marching — to the right, which continued during the en-
tire night, the men having no time for rest or sleep. The morn-
ing of the 8th dawned bright and hot. The line of march was
202 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
taken up and pushed with vigor, notwithstanding the heat, dust,
parching thirst and smoke and fire of burning woods. The
nature of the march was sufficient to convince those heroes that
their presence was required to meet the foe on some other field,
and gallantly did they toil through the day. As the sun was
hiding behind the western wood the brigade was thrown in line
to the support of General Rodes' Division, in front of the
Spottsylvania court-house, but was not engaged. After dark it
marched and counter-marched in search of a position, and at 10
P. M. was formed in line and ordered to throw up works in that
salient which proved so disastrous on the 12th following. By
daylight of the 9th, in spite of the fatigue and loss of sleep on
the night of the 7th and the terrible march of the 8th, the en-
tire brigade, with no tool except the bayonet and tin plate, was
intrenched behind a good and defensible rifle-pit. This day was
spent in strengthening the lines, scouting to the front, and that
sleep, so much needed. The works or fortifications referred to
assumed the shape of, and were always designated as, the "horse-
shoe." The morning of the 10th found the brigade closed to the
right, connecting with the left of Hill's Corps, with Jones' Bri-
gade on our left, occupying the works in the salient proper.
Late in the afternoon Doles' Brigade, whose position was on the
left of Jones' Brigade, was attacked about sunset, and was
pressed back upon Stewart's rear, followed closely by the exul-
tant enemy. Orders to "Fall in," "Take arms," "Face by the
rear rank," and "Forward" were repeated in quick succession.
The brigade responded with alacrity, and soon was moving
steadily, though moving in line of battle by the rear rank,
through a small strip of woods into a field (in which stood a
dwelling), and there meeting the enemy, immediately attacked.
The work here was sharp and quick, resulting in the repulse of
the Federals across and out of Doles' works and their occupation
by Stewart. It was, however, soon discovered that Stewart did
not cover Doles' entire front to the left, and fifty or more of the
enemy were having a happy time enfilading the lines. Lieu-
tenant Robert Lyon, with Company H, Third North Carolina —
Third Eegimejit. 203
the then left company — was formed across and perpendicularly
to the line, and, moving promptly down the left, drove them off.
Before this could be accomplished the Third North Carolina, on
the left, had suffered severely. Many men were wounded, in-
cluding Colonel S. D. Thruston, seriously, and Lieutenant
Cicero H. Craige and Sergeant-major Robert C. McRee were
killed. Lieutenant-Colonel Parsley, of course, after Colonel
Thruston was wounded, was in command of the regiment. The
brigade was then moved back to its original position and re-
mained inactive throughout the 11th. Just after night-fall of
the 11th the artillery, for some reason or other which was never
apparent to those not high in authority, if to them, was removed
from their position on this part of the line, and for aught we
know, from all parts, the direct effect of such withdrawal, com-
mencing to be felt on the 12th, was never fully recovered from.
We had great generals, but they were human, and "to err is
human." At the peep of dawn on May 12, 1864, dark and
rainy, an attack was made by the Federals en masse on Jones'
Brigade, occupying the salient angle of this doomed "horse-
shoe," the shock of which was felt throughout the entire Con-
federacy. No pen can adequately portray what occurred then
and there. The weather, thus early, was a fitting prelude to a
day that eventuated in so great sorrow and anguish. The ele-
ments seemed to portend impending fate — ^hopes blasted, aspira-
tions crushed. The First North Carolina was on the right of
Jones' Brigade, and their commander, the brave Colonel Hamil-
ton A. Brown, says: "For a short time the fighting was des-
perate. The terrific onslaught of this vast multitude was irre-
sistible, there being a rectangular mass of twenty thousand Fed-
eral troops, not in line of battle, but in column of regiments
doubled on the centre, supported by a division on each flank —
in all more than thirty thousand concentrated against this one
point. The portion of the works assaulted by this formidable
column was little more than four hundred yards wide. The
Confederate troops occupying this angle were Jones' Brigade
204 NoETH Carolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
and the First North Carolina Eegiment, numbering about two
thousand." The clash of arms and the murderous fire around
this bloody angle are indescribable.
The enemy sweeping to the right and rear of the fortifications
and striking the Third North Carolina Regiment, which ad-
joined the First North Carolina, and capturing that entire regi-
ment, with very few escapes, pursued their way into the lines of
A. P. Hill's Corps, making many captures there. Lieutenant-
Colonel Parsley, commanding the Third North Carolina Infan-
try on that morning, and who was captured in his works, says :
"Stewart faced the rear rank and continued to fight inside the
lines until a second column attacked him in front, when, find-
ing himself betweeen two fires at short range, he was compelled
to surrender." At what particular point the enemy was checked
on our right we do not know, as we were captured with Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Parsley. The prisoners of war hauled in by the
Federals on that morning we have heard estimated at three
thousand, including Major-General Edward Johnson, Brigadier-
General Stewart and other brigadiers, and very many field and
line officers. Captain E. H. Armstrong was killed. Some asper-
sion has been cast, and that, too, by one high in command, upon
Jones' Brigade, for not holding their ground when attacked that
morning (12th). Such a judgment, in our opinion, is not only
at fault, but has a tinge of garrulous fatuity, or is predicated
upon malevolence. In the name of all that is reasonable, fair,
or an equitable decision as to another, how could about two
thousand men, probably less, withstand the combined attack of
thirty thousand men, concentrated upon a point of four hundred
yards, and resist them successsfully, and that, too, without an
important arm of the service (the artillery) aiding them, for, as
we have said, it had been removed from their front ? Remem-
ber this was in an open space. The breastworks referred to were
trenches, in depth not more than four and one- half or five feet.
We have said this much in sheer justice to Jones' Brigade, for
we do not believe that any similar number of troops could be
Thied Regiment. 205
found anywhere who could have done more than was done by
them. We count any brigade fortunate which was not exposed
to such a test.
At this time such portions of the First and Third Regiments
as were not captured on May 12th were consolidated and placed
in General W. R. Cox's Brigade.
On the night of May 21st the army was withdrawn from its
position to meet the enemy, who had retired toward the North
Anna. On the morning of the 23d we confronted the enemy
near Hanover Junction, where the line of battle was formed and
earth-works thrown up. May 24th the enemy attacked the sharp-
shooters and drove them from their position, but after a sharp
and hand-to-hand fight for several minutes they were driven to
the opposite side of the breastworks and the assault was con-
tinued several hours. The enemy several times attempted to
recapture the works, but were as often repulsed. A heavy rain
having set in and darkness approaching, the enemy retired.
Shortly after dark the army retired towards Richmond to meet
the enemy, who were moving in the same direction. Nothing
save frequent skirmishing occurred until the afternoon of May
30th, on which the battle of Bethesda Church occurred. Further
skirmishing took place May 31st, June 1st, and the battle of
Gaines' Mill, June 2d, and Cold Harbor, June 3d, in all of
which the First and Third (consolidated) participated. After the
battle of Cold Harbor, June 3d, the Second Corps, composed of
Ramseur's, Rodes' and Gordon's Divisions, under the command
of General Early, was directed to proceed to the Valley of Vir-
ginia for the purpose of destroying or capturing Hunter, who
was in camp near Lynchburg. General Breckinridge and Major-
General Robert Ransom, commanding the cavalry, were awaiting
our arrival. Hunter, upon learning of the arrival of the Confeder-
ates on the 18th, under the cover of night, made a hasty retreat.
Early on the morning of the 19th we commenced pursuit, and
just before night overtook the enemy's rear at Liberty, where a
skirmish ensued, and again at Buford's Gap, on the afternoon of
the 20th. The pursuit was continued on the 21st through
206 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Salem, Va., where another skirmish took place. After resting a
day, we resumed the march in the direction of the Potomac River,
reaching Staunton on the morning of the 27th, then marched in
the direction of Harper's Ferry, which was reached on the
morning of July 4th. Here Bolivar Heights was captured
about 10 o'clock a. m., and about 8 o'clock p. M. the enemy were
driven from Harper's Ferry across the river to Maryland
Heights. On the 6th the corps crossed the Potomac at Shep-
herdstown, and engaged the enemy in the rear of Maryland
Heights. The battle continued nearly all day. We moved
through Crampton's Gap toward Frederick, and after many
skirmishes reached Frederick Md., on the morning of the 9th,
where General Wallace's Division of Federals was strongly
posted on the eastern bank of the Monocacy River. After a
stubborn fight the enemy was driven from the field, leaving in
our hands six or seven hundred prisoners, besides killed and
wounded. Our loss in killed and wounded was severe. The
march was resumed on the 10th in the direction of Washington
City. As the weather was hot and the roads dusty, it was very
trying to our troops, who arrived in front of Fort Stevens on the
evening of the 11th, within sight of the dome of the Federal
Capitol. After reconnoitering and skirmishing a couple of days,
and upon hearing of the arrival of two additional corps at Wash-
ington from the Army of the Potomac, our troops were with-
drawn on the night of the 12th, and we crossed the Potomac on
the night of the 15th near Leesburg, followed by the enemy's
cavalry. We then moved towards the Valley of Virginia,
crossing the Blue Ridge at Snicker's Gap on the 17th of July,
the Federals slowly following. On the afternoon of the 18th
Rodes' Division attacked the enemy at Snicker's Ford, di-iving
them in the Shenandoah River, where they lost heavily in killed
and drowned. On the 19th the division moved towards Stras-
burg, and on the afternoon of the 20th to the support of General
Ramseur, but arrived after the engagement had ceased. The
division then retired to Fisher's Hill, remaining until the enemy
was attacked at Kernstown, on the 24th, and driven across the
Third REaiMENT, 207
Potomac into Marylaud. Rodes' Division then marched and
counter-marched between the Potomac and Fisher's Hill until
September 22d, during which time it was engaged almost
daily in skirmishing, and took part iu the battles of Winchester,
August 17th; Charlestown, August 21st; Smithfield, August
29th; Bunker Hill, September 3d; second battle of Winchester,
September 19th ; Fisher's Hill, September 22d. On the morning
of September 19th this division, while moving in column up the
Martinsburg road to the support of General Ramseur, who was
engaged with Sheridan's army near Winchester, was unex-
pectedly called to attention, faced to the left and moved forward
to engage the enemy, who had advanced to within one hundred
yards of the road. After a brief and vigorous assault the Fed-
erals commenced falling back, and were driven through the
woods and the open fields until Cooke's Brigade was brought to
a temporary halt and Cox received orders to push forward his
brigade. At this time General Rodes was shot in the head by a
ball, and fell from his horse. The troops pushed on, unaware
of this calamity, and struck a weak line of the enemy. At this
point the Federals were severely punished, and fell back, leaving
their killed and wounded. A large number of officers and men,
who were secreted in a ditch, were captured. We pursued the
enemy with a hot fire beyond the crest of a hill, on which
Grimes had established his line. Here Evans' Brigade, upon
meeting a heavy fire, fell back, which exposed this brigade to
a concentrated, direct and left-oblique fire. At the request of
General Cox, a battery was placed on a hill in our rear, and the
brigade fell back and formed behind it, which opened with tell-
ing effect upon the enemy's heavy lines. They laid down, and
the victory appeared to be ours. While our loss in men and offi-
cers had been severe, the troops had good spirits. Here Colonel
S. D. Thruston -was severely wounded, the command devolving
upon Lieutenant-Colonel Parsley. After remaining until about
4 o'clock in the afternoon, we discovered that the Federals were
in our rear, and fell back in good order to the Martinsburg pike
and formed on the left of our troops. Here we were exposed,
208 NoETH Carolina Teoops, 1861-66.
without any protection, to a heavy artillery fire, which was tell-
ing upon our men. We were then faced about and commenced
retiring deliberately to the hills, all the troops conforming to
this movement. General Early, through a stafi' officer, directed
General Cox to return, when we were faced about and moved to
the front. Upon reaching the turnpike, we were ordered by
General Early to fall back, which we slowly accomplished. Our
troops now retreated toward Fisher's Hill. While retreating in
column, this brigade was ordered to protect the artillery then
passing. Facing about, we were deployed, and advanced be-
tween the enemy's cavalry and our artillery, which was done
with great spirit and promptness. In this manner we moved on,
protecting the artillery until near dusk, when we found General
Ramseur with his division thrown across the turnpike to prevent
pursuit. About the time this brigade and the artillery crossed
his line the enemy made a spirited charge to capture the guns,
which was met with a well-directed fire from Ramseur's men,
which stopped further pursuit. After our defeat at Winchester
we fell back and formed line of battle behind Fisher's Hill.
After the fall of General Rodes, General Ramseur was placed in
charge of his division. On the 22d we had a skirmish with
the enemy. About dusk the brigade was promptly formed
across the road to cover the retreat. We advanced rapidly to
a fence, where we met the enemy in a hand-to-hand encounter,
repulsed him, and stopped pursuit for the night. Here Colonel
Pendleton, of the artillery, fell, mortally wounded. After the
defeat at Fisher's Hill we fell back up the Valley as far as
Waynesboro, where re-inforcements were received. October 1st
we returned down the Yalley, reaching Fisher's Hill on October
13th, and there formed behind breastworks. A flanking move-
ment was directed by General Early, and we commenced mov-
ing soon after dark. The night was consifmed by a very
fatiguing and exhausting march, which was conducted with the
greatest secrecy. We crossed Cedar Creek at early dawn, being
joined- here by Payne's Cavalry, who at full speed advanced
upon and captured Sheridan's headquarters. But for his ab-
Third Eegiment. 209
sence they would have captured him. The first warning Crook's
Corps had of our presence was the rebel yells and volleys of
our musketry, which sent them hastily from their camp, leav-
ing all behind. This victory was delightful to our troops, after
so many repulses. So great was the demoralization of the enemy
after this little brigade drove back a division ten times its num-
ber, meeting with but slight resistance, that by 8 o'clock we had
captured all of their artillery and from one thousand five hun-
dred to two thousand prisoners. The Federals were in retreat.
About 3 o'clock in the afternoon Sheridan, having joined and
rallied his troops, the tide of battle was turned, and the Confed-
erates were driven up the Valley to New Market. Here Major-
Geueral Ramseur was killed endeavoring to rally his troops,
where they remained until about the 22d of November, when
Ramseur's Division routed General Sheridan, commanding a
considerable body of cavalry, between New Market and Mount
Jackson. This ended the Valley campaign of 1864, and Briga-
dier-General Bryan Grimes was promoted to Major- General, and
assigned to the command of this division. About a week before
Christmas this regiment and other troops composing the Second
Corps returned to Petersburg and went into winter quarters at
Swift Creek, about three miles north of the city. About the
middle of February, 1865, we moved to Southerland's Depot, on
the right of the Army of Northern Virginia. Here the regiment
remained until the middle of March, when it was ordered into the
trenches in front of Petersburg, where it remained until the
night of the 24th of March, when General Gordon's Corps, this
brigade forming a part, was massed opposite Hare's Hill, where
the distance between the lines was, one hundred yards. On the
morning of the 25th the division corps of sharji-shooters, com-
manded by Colonel H. A. Brown, surprised and captured the
enemy's pickets and entered his main lines. This regiment,
with the other troops of the division immediately following, oc-
cupied the enemy's works for some distance on either side of
Hare's Hill, and held them against great odds for about five
hours, during which time the enemy poured a deadly fire into the
14
210 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Confederates from several batteries, and having massed large
bodies of infantry, forced the withdrawal of the Confederates,
with considerable loss in killed, wounded and prisoners. We
then resumed our position in the trenches. About 11 o'clock on
the night of April 1st the enemy opened a heavy cannonading
all along the line, under cover of which they attacked in heavy
forces at several points, making a break in the division on our
right. On Sunday morning, the 2d, at daylight, they made a
breach in the line held by the brigade of the left centre of the
division, and occupied our works for some distance on either side
of Fort Mahone. The division attacked the enemy at close
quarters, driving him from traverse to traverse, sometimes in a
hand-to-hand fight, until the works were retaken up to a point
opposite Fort Mahone, which was finally captured. The Con-
federates thus regained the entire works taken from the division
in the early morning. The enemy, however, promptly moved
forward and recaptured the Confederate line and Fort Mahone,
leaving Grimes' Division still in possession of that portion of the
line retaken from the enemy in the early part of the day, and
which was held until the lines in front of Richmond and Peters-
burg were opened, when we, with the army, commenced to
retreat. Marching day and night, with only short intervals of
rest, we reached Amelia Court House on April 4th, where the ex-
hausted troops rested a few hours. Being closely pursued by
the enemy, the march was resumed that night.
General Bryan Grimes, then Major-General commanding the
division, was assigned to the position of rearguard. General Cox
still commanding our brigade and Lieutenant-Colonel Parsley
the regiment. The enemy's cavalry, elated over their successes,
frequently rode into the Confederate lines, making it necessary to
form a line of battle across the road in column of brigade, while
the others continued to march. This running fight continued until
the afternoon of the 6th, when at Sailor's Creek, near Farmville,
Va., a general engagement ensued, where the Confederates, over-
whelmed by superior numbers, retreated along the bridge at
Third Regiment. 211
Farmville. Here the gallant hero, Lieutenant-Colonel Parsley,
gave up his life, being shot in the head with a minnie-ball.
Who ever knew Willie Parsley, that did not love him? We
write not the empty words of the mere panegyrist; we speak
the words of a candid soberness and truth. He so impressed all
with whom he came in contact that no one who ever met ever
forgot him. He was the soul of honor. Without fear, he was
without reproach. Knowing how to obey, he was the better
fitted to command. There was not the semblance of dissimula-
tion in any trait of his character. You always felt after an in-
terview with him that he was guided and controlled by an hon-
esty of purpose. He commanded in an especial degree the esteem
and confidence of his superior officers. A report emanating from
Colonel Parsley, they knew, told the exact status of the subject-
matter upon which they were seeking information. They fre-
quently came to his headquarters socially and enjoyed his hospi-
tality. On duty he was the officer; duty done, he was the kind,
genial gentleman and friend. Strictly conscientious in the dis-
charge of his religious obligations, no asceticism marred the
beauty and symmetry of a well-ordered life. The scales of jus-
tice in his hands were well poised between his company officers
and the rank and file in their commands. Every man in his
regiment could appeal to him and be heard. Young in years,
he was experienced in true wisdom, and would have been a most
capable officer in any of the gradations of rank. Killed in the
battle of Sailor's Creek, at the early age of twenty-four, no Con-
federate soldier who yielded up his life was more sincerely
mourned, and no one remembered with more grateful recol-
lection.
Beyond Farmville, on the morning of the 7th, the division
charged the enemy and recaptured a battery of artillery which
had been taken by him. We continued the march towards
Lynchburg upon a parallel road to that the enemy had taken for
the purpose of intercepting us. We reached Appomattox Court
House on Saturday evening, the 8th, where the exhausted troops
bivouacked until about the middle of night, when this division
212 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
was ordered from the position of rearguard to the front to open
the road towards Lynchburg, now occupied by the enemy in
large force. About sunrise on Sunday morning, April 9, 1865,
this division (Grimes') engaged a large body of the enemy's
cavalry, supported by infantry, and drove them more than a
mile, capturing a battery and several prisoners. While engaged in
this pursuit, they were ordered back to a valley. This brigade
was commanded by the veteran soldier, General W. E.. Cox,
who, as his men were retiring, ordered a halt, and the command
was given: "Right about, face!" to meet a cavalry force which
was coming down upon him. It was promptly obeyed, and
once more and for the last time, these valiant, ragged, foot-sore
and half-starved North Carolinians withstood in the strength of
their invincible manhood the men whom they had met and
driven back on many a bloody iield. In the clear and firm voice of
the gallant Cox the command rang out : "Ready, Aim, Fire!"
and the last volley fired by the Army of Northern Virginia was by
these North Caroli/ia troops, this regimen! among the number.
Defeated, but not dishonored ! On leaving the valley, we learned
the sad intelligence that the Army of Northern Virginia had
surrendered. Sad and gloomy indeed were the faces of those
noble heroes, who could not realize that General Lee would ever
surrender.
The fragment of the First and Third Regiments, commanded
by Major W. T. Ennett, since the loss of Colonel Parsley on the
6th, was bivouacked with the brigade (Cox's), Grimes' Division,
Gordon's Corps, and prepared the muster-rolls for the final capit-
ulation. Od the morning of April 12th they laid down their
arms, dispersed on foot, many ragged and without shoes, and
made their way to their desolated homes.
And now let us recite the " roll of honor" : Colonel Gaston
Meares, killed in the battle of Malvern Hill ; Captain Thomas
E. Armstrong, killed in the battle of Chancellorsville; Captain
John F. S. Van Bokkelen, wounded in the battle of Chancellors-
ville, died within a month afterwards.
It was with grief, and that, too, without alloy, that the death
Third Regiment. 213
of Captain Van Bokkelen, which occurred in Richmond, Va.,
was announced to the regiment while on the march in the cam-
paign of 1863. He was universally popular and almost idolized
by his own men. But twenty-one years of age, and full of youth-
ful ardor, intelligent, with an acute conception of his duties and
an indomitable energy in pursuing the line of conduct which a
discriminating judgment dictated, to him, possibly, more than to
any other officer of the company which he commanded, was due
the high morale to which that company attained.
Captain David Williams, Captain E. H. Rodes, Captain E. G.
Meares, Lieutenants Duncan McNair, Thomas Cowan and Wil-
liam Quince, killed in the battle of Sharpsburg; Lieutenants
Tobias Garrison, Henry A. Potter and Thomas Kelly, killed in
the battle of Gettysburg; Captain E. H. Armstrong, Lieutenant
Cicero H. Craige and Sergeant-major Robert C. MoRee, killed
in the battle of Spottsylvania; Lieutenant-Colonel W. M. Pars-
ley, killed in the battle of Sailor's Creek, near Farmville; and
that host of non-commissioned officers and privates (would that
their names were accessible to us, that we might locate each in-
dividual as to company and record his merit) who yielded their
lives under the banner of the Confederacy. Good soldiers and
true men they were, discharging duty under any and all condi-
tions. Their hearts' blood flecked the soil of Virginia, Mary-
land and Pennsylvania, and the fields of battle in those three
States attest their prowess.
Nor yet would the history of the Third North Carolina In-
fantry be complete without reciting the names of Dr. J. F.
McRee, Surgeon, and Doctors Josh C. Walker, Kenneth Black
and Thomas F. Wood, the well-beloved and faithful physicians,
Captain Roger P. Atkinson, Captain R. S. Radcliffe, Captain Wil-
liam A. Gumming, Major W. T. Ennett, Lieutenant Amos Sid-
bury, Lieutenant Ward, Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Savage,
Captain Richard F. Langdon, Lieutenants I. J. Pickett, S. P.
Hand, George B. Baker, N. A. Graham, L. Moore, W. H. Barr
and Robert H. Lyon, who have all died since the capitula-
tion. Adjutant Theodore C. James has also crossed "the narrow
214 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
stream of death." Our pen falters when we attempt to pay tribute
to his memory: companion of our youth, friend of our manhood.
For him to espouse a cause was to make it a part of his very self.
Intrepid, no more courageous soldier trod the soil of any battle-
field upon which the Army of Northern Virginia encountered a
foe. The impulses of his nature were magnanimous; no grovel-
ing thoughts unbalanced the equity of his judgment. True to
his friends and to principle, he remained as "constant as the
northern star, of whose true, fixed and resting quality there is
no fellow in the firmament." Leaving his right arm upon a
battlefield of Virginia, and exempt for that cause from further
military duty, he disdained any privilege which such disability
brought to him, but continued in active service until the last
shot had been fired and " arms stacked " forever.
We have endeavored to compile a correct history of the
regiment with which we served as Confederate soldiers. If
errors of commission have crept in, or if there be any of omis-
sions, it is with sincere regret on our part; nor should they have
occurred, save that we were ignorant of them. The memories of
the martyrs of the " lost cause" are too precious to be relegated
to oblivion through any laches on the part of those who could
prevent it, or whose duty it is to preserve them. A duty owed
first to the dead — and to the living.
John Cowan,
James I. Metts.
Wilmington, N. C.,
9th April, 1900.
ADDITIONAL SKETCH THIRD REGIMENT.
By colonel W. L. DeROSSET.
Gaston Meares, of Wilmington, N. C, was appointed by Gov-
ernor Ellis to the command of the Third Regiment of State
Troops, and Robert Harper Cowan and William Lord DeRosset
were commissioned, respectively, Lieutenaot-Colouel and Major
of the same regiment.
Steps were at once taken to form the regiment, first from
material already partially organized into companies and partly
by regular enlistments under company officers likewise appointed
by the Governor.
This regiment, one of ten authorized by «the Constitutional
Convention to be raised, enlisted for the war, and all officers
were appointed by the Governor, with the understanding clearly
had that all vacancies should be filled by promotion or appoint-
ment by recommendation of the commanding officer.
[The companies, with names of their respective captains, and
counties from which raised, are given in the sketch of Captains
Cowan and Metts, page 178, ante.]
The several companies were ordered to assemble at the camp
of instruction at Garysburg as faet as their ranks were filled,
and in the latter part of May they began to report to the officer
in charge of the camp.
Colonel Meares and Lieutenant-Colonel Cowan reported at
the camp about June 1st. Major DeRosset, having been ordered
to Fort Macon to relieve Colonel C. C. Tew, of the Second North
Carolina Regiment, of the command of that post, was delayed in
joining his command until some two weeks later. Meanwhile,
the men were being drilled in the school of the soldier, prepara-
tory to company drill ; and so soon as Major DeRosset reported
216 North Carolina Troops, 1861-66.
for duty he was ordered to take charge of the drilling and dis-
ciplining of the force.
Colonel Meares moved West from Wilmington, where he was
born, when quite a young man and settled in Arkansas, whence
he went into the war with Mexico as Adjutant of one of the
first regiments raised in that State ; subsequently being elected
to command on the death of its colonel (Yell). At the begin-
ning of our late difficulty he reported for duty to the Governor
and was at once commissioned as Colonel.
Lieutenant-Colonel Robert H. Cowan was also a native of
Wilmington, and was prominent in the politics of the State,
both locally and as a Representative in its legislative halls.
Upon the reorganization of the twelve months regiments, he
was elected Colonel of the Eighteenth, thus severing his connec-
tion with the Third in May, 1862.
Major DeRosset, likewise a native of the same place, had been
connected with the local military for seven years, most of the
time as an officer of the Wilmington Light Infantry, having
carried that company into service, which was later assigned to
the Eighteenth.
A portion of the Third was ordered to Richmond early in
July, where it was joined some we'eks later by the remaining
companies which had been left at Garysburg under Major De-
Rosset.
A few days after the first battle of Manassas the regiment was
ordered to report to Major- General T. H. Holmes, at Acquia
Creek, and went into camp n^ar Brooks' Station, on the Rich-
mond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad, later moving camp
to a point near the Potomac River, and, as winter approached,
having meantime built substantial winter quarters, they took up
their abode therein, immediately in rear of the lower battery of
those constructed for the defense of Acquia Creek.
Upon the evacuation of the line of the Potomac the Third
North Carolina, with the First, was ordered to Goldsboro to
meet a supposed advance of Burnside from New Bern, remain-
ing thereabouts until early in June, 1862. In May, Lieutenant-
Thied Eegiment. 217
Colonel Cowan having been promoted, Major DeRosset was
made Lieutenant-Colonel, and Captain Savage, Major.
The First and the Third North Carolina Troops were under
the same brigade commanders from first to last, but, unfortunately,
were always brigaded with troops from other States, and never
received the deserved meed for their achievements.
First, Colonel John G. Walker was assigned to command, the
brigade then consisting of the First and Third North Carolina
and the Thirtieth Virginia and First Arkansas; but Colonel
Walker proved to be the junior colonel in the brigade, and
General Holmes asked for and obtained a commission for him as
brigadier-general, and he continued in command.
Brigadier-General Roswell S. Ripley next had its command,
and upon reaching Richmond on the evening of the last day's
fight at Seven Pines a change was made in the composition of
the brigade and the Fortieth and Forty-fourth Georgia Regi-
ments took the places of the Virginia and Arkansas troops.
The Third reached the battlefield only in time to be held in
reserve late in the evening, but were not ordered to participate.
The march from Richmond was most trying to the raw troops
of the brigade, who had not then received their baptism of fire,
passing thousands of dead and wounded from the time they left
the cars until they arrived on the field; and the groans and cries
of the wounded were not calculated to inspire the boys with a
martial spirit. During the period from that date to the opening
of the battles around Richmond the command was in camp about
six miles from Richmond, drilling and preparing for the sum-
mer campaign.
Late in the evening of June 25, 1862, Colonel Meares received
orders to march, and proceeding early next morning in a north-
erly direction, was halted on the high hills on the south of the
Chickahominy where it is crossed by the Mechanicsville pike.
Lieutenant- Colonel DeRosset was here again detached and
ordered to take charge of a battalion composed of one company
from each regiment, and to advance, crossing' the stream, to
Mechanicsville; but after reaching the middle of the creek he was
218 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
ordered to assemble his command and cross on the bridge. The
battalion was thus thrown on the left of the brigade, advancing
left in front, and, on being drawn up in line of battle on the
north side, went into action, charging the enemy's position, which
was well fortified on the further side of a small stream about
one-half mile from the pike. The brigade suffered severely in
this attack, mainly from the stupid manner in which it was put
into action. The Forty-fourth Georgia was almost annihilated,
having lost heavily in killed and wounded, the others mostly
routed. The Fortieth Georgia lost its colonel early in the action,
and were more or less demoralized. The First North Carolina
perhaps suffered in killed and wounded more than either of the
regiments, if not of all combined. They had the misfortune to
be immediately in front of the heaviest of the Yankee batteries,
which swept the approaches with grape and canister continuously.
The Third North Carolina lost perhaps less than either of the
others, Major Savage being the only one of the field officers
wounded.
Joining after that battle the forces of General Jackson, the
command was marched by a circuitous route to Cold Harbor, or
Gaines' Mill, where the battle took place on the afternoon of
June 27th. Here but a small fraction of the Third was exposed
to direct musketry fire, for reasons none but General Ripley
could explain, and the officers of the command are not known to
have said that any explanation was vouchsafed. Marching
thence, after two or three days' delay, the brigade found itself in
front of one of the bridges over the Chickahominy which had
been destroyed by the enemy on the south side, he having crossed
the day before on the famous "grape-vine" bridge, some distance
above. Here, being exposed to the enemy's fire of artillery
without the means of replying, Ripley was withdrawn into a
heavy woods on the northwest side of the road, lying there all
day under the artillery fire, at times very annoying, but with
little loss. This was the day of the battle of Frazer's Farm, a
few miles lower down the stream.
Next day, the enemy having withdrawn and the bridge re-
Third Regiment. 219
paired, Ripley crossed and marched on Malvern Hill, arriving
there at noon, and was posted immediately in the rear of what
was known as the Parsonage, on the near side of the road lead-
ing by Malvern Hill, and on the left of the army. Being or-
dered to advance, the whole line moved forward, and from the
peculiar conformation of the land in front, the hill up which
Ripley moved being almost an isolated knoll, upon reaching the
top each regiment was found to be represented in the mass of
disorganized troops occupying the yard of the Parsonage and the
road in front. The officers of the several commands seemed not
to have noted the conformation of the ground, and as each com-
pany reached the foot of the hill it would change direction to
go up the shortest road, thereby bringing about the trouble as
seen at that point. Meantime a terrific fire of artillery and
infantry swept the field, and the men involuntarily hugged the
ground. Here they lay for some time, men falling every minute,
and some leaving the field in search of surgical assistance-
There was no possibility of doing anything, so far as could be
seen by the field officers, and Ripley had not been seen about the
lines after the first order was given to advance. About an hour
before dusk word came from the left that Captain Brown, com-
manding the First North Carolina, was hard pressed, and wanted
assistance, when Colonel Meares determined to re-inforce him,
and gave the command to move by the left flank. He, going on
foot into the road in front of the line, upon reaching a point
about opposite the left of the Third, stopped, and mounting the
bank on the side of the road, was using his field-glass, surveying
the Yankee lines, when he was instantly killed by a slug from a
shrapnel fired from a battery directly in front, said to be the
Third Rhode Island Battery, not over seventy-five yards distant.
Colonel Meares was a man of marked individuality. Re-
spected by his superior officers, beloved by his subordinate offi-
cers, and even by the most humble private, his untimely death
was deeply deplored by ail alike. It is certain that he would
have been recommended for promotion.
The Third held its position until withdrawn sometime during
220 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
the night, aud bivouacked near that point for several days, when
the brigade was ordered back to the old camping-grounds nearer
Richmond.
Colonel DeRosset having been promoted to the command of
the Third, decided to visit Raleigh for the purpose of recruiting
the regiment.
The losses in officers of the Third were numerous, but several
were temporarily disabled by wounds. Some vacancies occurred
about this time, and the conspicuous gallantry of Cicero H.
Craig caused his recommendation for promotion, and he was at
once put on duty, by brigade orders, as Lieutenant of Company I.
Just here it is well to put on record an instance showing how
the officers of the Third held to the original understanding with
the Governor that all promotions and appointments should be made
by or upon the recommendation of the commanding officer of
the regiment. Upon the report made to Governor Clark in
person by Colonel DeRosset, the Governor promised to have
the commission for Lieutenant Craig mailed to him without delay,
but upon being approached by two officers of Company I, who
represented to the Governor that if Craig was made lieutenant
of the company the men would resist and disband, he revoked
his order for the commission, and ordered an election to be held
in the company to fill the vacancy. Upon receipt of the com-
munication from the Adjutant-General, Colonel DeRosset ad-
dressed the Governor, declining to hold an election in his regi-
ment, and should he insist upon it, that he could consider his
resignation as being before him. Further explanation was made
that the parties who informed the Governor of the condition of
affairs in Company I had not participated in the late fights, and
were hardly in position to form an intelligent opinion of the
facts, and that the discipline of the men in his regiment was his
responsibility as much as that of the company officers, and he
would be responsible for results. As a finale, both officers
referred to very soon ceased to hold their positions, and, for some
forgotten reasons, were allowed to go home. The Governor ex-
Thikd Regiment. 221
pressed himself as fully satisfied, and immediately sent on Craig's
commission.
Apropos, as to elections to fill vacancies, wliile near Goldsboro,
in the spring of 1862, a vacancy occurred in the office of Second
Lieutenant of Company G. Orders came from headquarters one
afternoon to hold an election to fill the vacancy. Colonel Meares,
after reading the order, passed it to Lieutenant-Colonel DeRosset,
with the instruction that he should see that the order was carried
out. Not seeing his way clear, but knowing the feelings of
Colonel Meares as to permitting elections, DeRosset walked off
in the direction of the camp of that company, hoping for some
solution of the problem. Fortunately he found Lieutenant
Quince of that company in charge, the captain being absent
from camp. Quince had been educated as a soldier in the ranks
of the Wilmington Light Infantry, and DeRosset knew he
could be depended upon. At once handing the order to Quince,
he. Quince, threw up his hands with horror at being called upon to
be the instrument in carrying out such an order. DeRosset replied
that the opinions of all the regimental, field and staff, as well as
most of the line officers, were well known to be against such a
system, but the order was imperative, and must be obeyed. Re-
maining in hearing, and feeling that fun was ahead, DeRosset,
standing behind the captain's tent, heard the following, almost
literally related:
Lieutenant Quince — "Sergeant, make the men fall in
with arms." This was done quickly, and, addressing the men,
he read the order, and remarked : " Men, there are two candi-
dates for the office," naming them, "and there is but one of
them worth a d — n, and I nominate him. All who are in favor
of electing Sergeant , come to a shoulder. Company^
shoulder arms ! " Then, turning to the Orderly Sergeant, re-
marked: "Sergeant, take charge of the company and dismiss
them."
Inside of fifteen minutes from the time the order was handed the
Colonel, Lieutenant Quince handed in his report: "That an election
had been held in accordance with Special Order No. — , and that
222 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Sergeant had been unanimously elected." This put a stop
to all talk about elections for some time, and, after Craig's pro-
motion, the subject was never again mentioned.
Ripley lay in camp for several weeks, while details were made
to work on the intrenchments in our front and for several miles
down towards the Chickahominy, while other details gathered
arms from the several battlefields.
Up to this time the Third was armed principally with smooth-
bore muskets, but with the ample supply of the Springfield
rifled muskets gathered from the field and captured, there was
enough to supply our whole army with the improved gun.
Orders came from headquarters that all muskets should be turned
in and the troops armed with the rifles. Colonel DeRosset
believed firmly in the great efficiency of the smooth-bore with
buck and ball cartridges, and, after a consultation with General
Ripley, secured a modification of the order as applying to the
Third North Carolina, and was allowed to retain muskets for
eight companies, arming the two flank companies with the rifles.
He always insisted that it was owing to the good use of the buck
and ball at close range at Sharpsburg that the Third were enabled
to do so much damage, and to hold their position after advancing
for so long a time.
In the latter part of July, Colonel DeRosset returned from
Raleigh and brought with him four hundred conscripts, who
were at once divided into small squads, and, under command of
non-commissioned officers, were drilled several hours daily. This
not only helped to discipline the raw levies, but hardened them
somewhat, thus enabling them the better to stand the strains inci-
dent to the march into Maryland, which soon followed.
During this period, awaiting marching orders, the first execu-
tion under sentence of a military court took place in the brigade
on the person of an Irishman who had deserted and was captured
in his effiDrts to reach the enemy's lines. He belonged to Cap-
tain Dudley's company, of the First North Carolina, and the
■firing party was from his own company, who did their sad duty
like true soldiers.
Third Regiment. 223
About the time that Jackson was lookiug for Pope's " head-
quarters," from Culpepper to Manassas, Ripley received march-
ing orders, and the brigade went by rail to Orange Court House.
Here the brigade bivouacked for several days, ofiBcers and men
wondering why we were held back, when it was evident that
hard work was going on at the front. However, marching
orders came at last, and after much time given to preparation,
we finally took the road for Culpepper Court House, thence in a
northerly direction to the Alexandria and Luray pike, striking
that road about sundown at a point called Amisville. To the
amazement of the field and line officers, instead of marching
toward Warrenton, where it was generally understood Lee had
passed, the head of the column was changed to the left. One of
the officers here rode up to the head of the column, and accosting
General Ripley, asked if he had any objection to saying where
we were marching to. His reply was: "I am going to see my
sweetheart at Luray." He thereupon ordered a halt, and to go
into bivouac at once and prepare rations as issued, having just
received by courier orders from General Lee to march at once,
and quickly, to Manassas Junction. Next morning, after a
deliberate breakfast, the column counter-marched and reached
Warrenton about 2 or 3 o'clock P. M. The General repaired to
a private house for refreshments, directing the command to pro-
ceed to a point a mile or two out on the Manassas road and
bivouac, with special instructions to the officers left in command
to have the column drawn up in line on the road ready to march
at 4 o'clock A. M. next day, but not to move until he came up.
The command was on time, and stood in a drenching rain until
about 7 o'clock, when Ripley appeared, and the column moved
on. Arriving at the Junction about 3 or 4 o'clock p. M., in full
hearing of the desperate conflict going on a short distance ahead
of us, we were deliberately filed off the road in an opposite
direction and halted, bivouacked there that night and next
morning crossed Bull Run at Sudley's Ford, having passed over
perhaps the bloodiest portion of the field, where the dead and
many wounded still lay in the sun. Marching through a country
224 jSTorth Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
entirely destitute of water for several miles, we finally reached
the Alexandria and Leesburg pike, where a halt was made to
allow the men to drink and fill their canteens. Moving on in
the direction of Alexandria, which point was understood to be
Lee's objective point, we came up while the battle of Ox Hill
was being fought, and were held in reserve until its close, falling
back next morning to a beautiful country-seat known as Chan-
tilly, where we bivouacked for several days.
The march into Maryland then commenced, and we moved
towards Leesburg, where we received rations again and prepared
them for another march ; bivouacked there for twenty-four
hours, and then taking a road direct to the Potomac, crossed at
Point of Rocks ; thence moving down the bank of the river along
the canal to Point of Rocks, where, taking our last view of old
Virginia, we took the road for Frederick City direct, halting
there for two or more days.
The army moved westwardly along the Great Western turn-
pike, crossing the mountains, and bivouacked that night a little
beyond Boonsboro. On the evening of Saturday, September 13,
1862, the brigade was counter-marched toward the mountain and
placed in line of battle on the north side of the pike, near the
fobt of the mountain, again in reserve. Next morning, Sunday,
Colonel Doles, with the Fourth Georgia, was detached and or-
dered to take position in a gap on the north side of the pike, and
the other three regiments were moved up the mountain, and just
to the east of the tavern on the summit filed to the right, and
moved along the summit road, having, before leaving the pike,
passed the body of General Garland, who had just been slain at
the head of his command. Leaving this road, they moved by
one leading diagonally down the mountain, and, on reaching the
foot, were halted some half mile to a mile from the pike, on the
south. Here General Ripley concluded that his command and
that of General George B. Anderson were cut off from the troops
on his left, and assuming command of the division, notified Colo-
nel DeRosset to take command of the brigade. General Ander-
son seemed to have moved up the mountain very promptly, and
Third Eegiment. 225
Ripley ordered Colonel DeRosset to do likewise. Lieutenant-
Colonel Thruston was ordered to take a company of skirmishers,
covering the front of the brigade, and soon reported that troops
were in his front, and later that General G. B. Anderson was
moving across his front. General Ripley, remaining at the foot
of the mountain, was informed of the situation, and at once
ordered his brigade to fall back. It was then moved by the left
flank up a road leading diagonally up the mountain and halted,
occupying that position until quietly withdrawn sometime
between 9 o'clock p. m. and midnight.
General Ripley again assumed command of his own brigade
and marched by a road leading towards the Boonsboro and Sharps-
burg pike. On reaching a point on the crest of the hill, just
after crossing the Antietam on the stone bridge, the command
was placed in line of battle under the hill, the right of the Third
North Carolina, in absence of the Fourth Georgia, on the right
of the brigade and resting on the Boonsboro pike. This was on
the evening of the 15th, and the brigade remained in that posi-
tion until the evening of the 16th, under a heavy artillery fire
from the enemy's guns on the east side of the creek, but without
loss, being well protected by the crest of the hill under which
he lay.
Meantime the battle had opened on our left, and as that seemed
to be the point at which McClellan would make his greatest
effort. General Ripley was ordered in that direction and biv-
ouacked to the east of the Hagerstown pike, directly opposite the
Dunkard Church and south of the Mumma farm house, which
latter was destroyed by fire early next morning.
About daylight on thfe 17th the Federal artillery opened, and
one of the first guns, from a point near which McClellan made
his headquarters, fired a shell which fell just in front of the
brigade, wounding some sixteen officers and men of the Third.
The advance was soon ordered, and the enemy was first encount-
ered in an open field a little to the south of the famous corn field
near the East Woods, and the smooth-bore muskets with the buck
and ball cartridges did most excellent service, being at very close
15
226 NoETH Caeolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
quarters, not over one hundred yards from the first line of the
three lines of the enemy.
There being quite a gap in our lines on Ripley's right, a
change of front was made to meet a flank attack by the One
Hundred and Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania, a new and large
regiment, and the Third North Carolina, being still on the right,
met with heavy losses from this attack before the movement could
be made with assured safety. General Ripley had been slightly
wounded in the throat early in the action and the brigade was
now under the command of Colonel George Doles, of the Fourth
Georgia, the ranking officer.
About the time that the movement in changing from front to
rear began, Colonel DeRosset was severely wounded, and per-
manently disabled. Lieutenant-Colonel Thruston at once took
command, and charged the enemy, maintaining his advanced
position until forced back by mere weight of numbers. From
this time the Third North Carolina was under the command of
Colonel Thruston, who succeeded to the full command upon the
resignation of Colonel DeRosset, some months later, when it was
definitely determined that the wound of the latter had disabled
him permanently for active service. There were few, if any,
regimental commanders in the Army of Northern Virginia who
were the superior of Colonel Thruston, if his equal, in all that
goes to make up an intelligent, able and successful leader. He
was painfully wounded during this action, but refused to leave
the field.
Of the twenty-seven officers who went into action on that
memorable morning all save three were disabled and seven killed.
Captain McNair, Company H, was badly wounded in the leg
early in the day, but refused to leave, althougb urged to do so
by the Colonel, and soon after gave up his life-blood on his coun-
try's altar.
The official report of the division commander gives the loss
in the Third North Carolina, but it is less than was reported at
the close of the day by Lieutenant J. F. S. Van Bokkelen, Acting
Thied Regiment. 227
Adjutant, who stated that of the five hundred and twenty carried
into action only one hundred and ninety could be accounted for.
Of the conscripts who were enlisted in the Third North Caro-
lina about one hundred succeeded in keeping up with their
comrades and taking part in the Sharpsburg battle. During
this engagement, while the whole line was busily engaged in their
deadly work, one of the conscripts was observed calmly walking
up and down behind his company, and upon being asked why
he was not in ranks and firing, replied : " I have seen nothing
to shoot at, and I have only sixty rounds of cartridges; I don't
care to waste them." He was instructed to lie down, and being
shown the blue breeches under the smoke, his face bright-
ened up at once as he began firing. Seldom was truer cour-
age displayed than by this man, who, under his first experience in
battle, having evidently been left behind as his company double-
quicked to the front, came up after the smoke from the first volleys
had obscured everything, and could see nothing in front. It
would indeed be interesting to know this man's name and fate^
but such cannot be, for he probably sleeps in a soldier's grave
in the famous corn field, unhonored and unsung, where so many
comrades lie buried.
Of the original captains of the Third North Carolina:
Captain Drysdale died in winter quarters at Acquia Creek
during the winter of 1861-'62,'and was buried in Goldsboro. He
died of pneumonia contracted in the performance of his duties.
Captain Thruston held each office in succession until he reached
the colonelcy. He lives in Dallas, Texas, and is an honored
member of the medical profession.
Captain Mallett, having been appointed conscript officer of the
State, with the rank of Major and subsequently Colonel, resigned
his captaincy. He now lives in New' York.
Captain Savage, afterwards Lieutenant-Colonel, resigned after
the battles around Richmond. He now resides in New York.
Captain Redd resigned his commission in the early part of
1862. He is now a farmer in Onslow county.
Captain Parsley, rising to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel of
228 North Caeolina Teoops, 1861-65.
his regiment, was killed only three days before the surrender at
Appomattox, respected and beloved by all.
Captain Rhodes was wounded at Sharpsburg, and as he has
never since been heard of, it is supposed he died of his wounds.
Captain Sikes, having absented himself from his command
during the seven days' fight, and gone to his home without proper
leave of absence, was allowed to resign.
Captain Carmer resigned his commission soon after the battles
around Richmond.
Captain Williams, known by his men as "Pap," as brave a
man as ever lived, was disemboweled by a rifle shot from the
enemy's batteries at Sharpsburg, and sleeps in a soldier's grave,
with his blanket for a shroud, in the front yard of the house in
rear of the village, which was used as a field hospital near the
Shepherdstown pike.
W. L. DeRosset.
Wilmington, jST. C,
9th April, 1900.
FOUBTH REGIMENT.
1. Eryan Grimes, Colonel. a. E. A. Osborne, Colonel.
2. George B. Anderson, Colonel. C. J. E. Stansill, Major.
3. James H. Wood, Colonel. 7. J. P. Shaffner, Chief Surgeon.
4. John A. Young, Lieut. -Colonel. 8. Rev. W. A. Wood, Chaplain.
9. J. M. Iladley, Assistant Surgeon.
FOURTH REGIMENT.
By colonel E. A. OSBORNE.
To write a full and accurate history of this noble body of n
would require far more time, ability and space than the pres
writer can command. But as the honor and distinction of wi
ing a brief sketch has fallen to my lot, I cheerfully and gr£
fully address myself to the task, feeling at the same time dee]
conscious of my unworthiness and inability to handle suet
theme. I cannot conceive of a braver, truer, nobler, more
voted and self-denying body of men than was this splendid re
ment of North Carolinians. In every position, under the m
trying circumstances in which men can be placed, from the ca
of instruction to the close of a four years' war — a war that
volved more hardships, more persevering courage and fortitu
more self-denial, more devotion, more true manhood and end
ance, more love of home, of country and of principle, and m
true heroism on the part of the men of the South than has b
manifested at least in modern times, these devoted men, e
forgetful of self, and following firmly and steadily in the lead
patriotic duty, without pay, and suffering for the bare neces
ries of life most of the time, never flinched nor murmured; 1
endured with sublime patience and fortitude the hardships
the camp, of the march, of the bivouac, and the many terri
scenes of strife, and blood, and carnage, through which tl
passed during these four long and terrible years of suffering a
trial.
In writing this sketch I must be content to give a mere outl
of actual occurrences. The facts simply stated speak for the
selves. They need no embellishment to commend their act
to the admiration of all who value and love what is brave i
230 NoETH Carolina Tboops, 1861-'65.
true aud manly. The UDvaruished story o^ these brave and de-
voted mea who gave themselves for the cause they loved fur-
nishes such examples of heroic valor, unselfish devotion and
unwavering faithfulness as will be an inspiration and an honor
to their countrymen in all future ages.
The Fourth Regiment of North Carolina State Troops was
organized at Camp Hill, near Garysburg, N. C, in May, 1861.
The field officers at first were:
George Buegwyn Anderson, Colonel.
John Augustus Young, Lieutenant-Colonel.
Bryan Grimes, Major.
Dr. J. K. King, Surgeon.
Dr. B. S. Thomas, Assistant Surgeon.
Captain John D. Hyman, Commissary.
Captain Thomas H. Blount, Quartermaster.
Thomas L. Perry, Adjutant.
Rev. William A. Wood, Chaplain.
R. F. SiMONTON, Commissary Sergeant.
F. A. Carlton, Sergeant- Major.
Elam Morrison, Quartermaster's Sergeant.
Fourth Kbgiment. 231
COMPANY OFFICERS OF THE FOURTH REGIMENT AS
ORIGINALLY ORGANIZED.
Company A — Iredell County — Captain, A. K. Simonton;
First Lieutenant, W. L. Davidson; Second Lieutenant, W. G.
Falls; Second Lieutenant, William F. McRorie.
Company B — Rowan County — Captain, James H. Wood;
First Lieutenant, A. C. Watson; Second Lieutenant, J. F.
Stancill; Second Lieutenant, J. fl. Harris.
Company C — Iredell County — Captain, John B. Andrews;
First Lieutenant, James Rufus lieid; Second Lieutenant, W. A.
Kerr; Second Lieutenant, Joseph C. White.
Company D — Wayne County — Captain, J. B. Whittaker;
First Lieutenant, Alexander D. Tumbro; Second Lieutenant,
J. J. Bradley; Second Lieutenant, R. B. Potts.
Company E — Beaufort County— Cn-piaan, David M. Carter;
First Lieutenant, Thomas L. Perry; Second Lieutenant, E. J.
Redding; Second Lieutenant, Daniel P. Latham.
Company F — Wilson County — Captain, Jesse S. Barnes;
First Lieutenant, J. W. Dunham; Second Lieutenant, P. N.
Simms; Second Lieutenant, Thomas E. Thompson.
Company G — Davie County — Captain, William G. Kelley;
First Lieutenant, Samuel A. Kelley; Second Lieutenant, Thomas
J. Brown; Second Lieutenant, Samuel A. Davis.
Company H — Iredell County — Captain, Edwin Augustus
Osborne; First Lieutenant, John Z. Daiton; Second Lieutenant,
Hal. H. Weaver; Second Lieutenant, John B. Forcum.
Company I — Beaufort County — Captain, W. T. Marsh; First
Lieutenant, L. R. Creekman; Second Lieutenant, Noah B.
Tuten; Second Lieutenant, Bryan S. Bonner.
Company K — Rowan County — Captain, F. Y. McNeely;
First Lieutenant, W. C. Coughenonr; Second Lieutenant, Mar-
cus Hofflin; Second Lieutenant, W^illiam Brown.
Promotions in Company A during the war — W. L.
Davidson to Captain, W. G. Falls to Captain, W. F. McRorie
to Captain, W. K. Eliason to First Lieutenant, F. A. Carlton
to First Lieutenant, A. S. Fraley to Second Lieutenant, J. Pink
232 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Cowan to Second Lieutenant, T. M. C. Davidson to Second
Lieutenant, W. R. INlcNeely to Second Lieutenant.
Non-commissioned Officers in Company A — E. F. Mor-
rison, W. T. J. Harbin, W. L. Shuford, D. A. Doherty, E. C.
Rumple, P. A. Siiafer, C. D. Murdock, J. A. Stikeleather.
Promotions in Company B during the avae — J. F.
Stancill to Captain, J. H. Hilliard to Captain, T. C. Watson to
Captain, J. W. Shinn to First Lieutenant, Joseph Barber to
Second Lieutenant, Isaac A. Cowan to Captain, James P. Burke
to Second Lieutenant.
Non-commissioned Officers in Company B — J. W.
Phifer, E. F. Barber, B. Knox Kerr, Rufus Mills, M. S. Mc-
Kenzie, John Hellers, H. C. Miller, "William A. Burkhead, D.
W. Steele, B. A. Knox.
Promotions in Company C during the war — Claudius
S. Alexander to Captain, W. A. Kerr to Captain, G. A. Andrews
to Captain, T. W. Stephenson to First Lieutenant, J. C. White
to First Lieutenant, J. A. S. Feimster to Second Lieutenant, S.
A. Claywell to Second Lieutenant, John C. Turner.
Non-commissioned Officers in Company C — James A.
Sommers, J. J. Troutman, S. J. Thomas, A. J. Anderson, J. C.
Norton, D. P. Dobbin, Edward May, John C. Turner, A. M.
White, J. A. Feimster, F. A. Shuford, R. O. Sinster.
Promotions in Company D during the war — Alexander
Tumbro to Captain, M. C. Hazelle to Captain, T. G. Lee to
Captain, Lovett Lewis to Captain, R. B. Potts to First Lieuten-
ant, J. B. Griswold to Second Lieutenant, Cader Parker to Second
Lieutenant.
Non-commissioned Officers in Company D— Robert A.
Best, James C. Cotton, M. C. Hazelle, John Holmes, James
Brewer, George Casey, J. J. Ellis, R. W. Hodgins, Robert Peel,
J. H. Pearsall, J. R. Williams, J. W. Harrison, D. L. Howell,
J. R. Tumbro.
Promotions in Company E during the war — D. G.
Latham to Captain, T. M. Allen to Captain, J. H. Carter to
Captain, C. K. Gallagher to Captain, E. L. Redding to Second
Fourth Regiment. 233
Lieutenaat, S. J. Litchfield to First Lieutenant, M. T. William-
son to Second Lieutenant.
Non-commissioned Officers in Company E — J. F.
Lucas, Joseph Cutler, Joseph Whegget, George Litchfield, S. B.
Whitley, T. R. Petterton, C. E. Perry.
Promotions in Company F during the war — John W.
Dunham to Captain, H. M. Warren to Captain, T. G. Lee to
First Lieutenant, T. F. Thompson to Second Lieutenant, S. Y.
Parker to Second Lieutenant, W. V. Stevens to Second Lieuten-
ant, T. B. Stith to Second Lieutenant, J. D. Wells to Second
Lieutenant.
Non-commissioned Officers in Company F — W. R.
Hamraell, R. B. Lancaster, W. P. Fitzgerald, J. B. Farmer, J.
H. Marshburn, R. H. Watson, W. E. Winstead, W. O. Wootten,
J. L. Burton, J. B. Farmer.
Promotions in Company G during the war — S. A
Kelley to Captain, B. J. Smith to First Lieutenant, D. J. Cain to
First Lieutenant, D. G. Snioot to Second Lieutenant, C. A.
Guffy to Second Lieutenant, W. B. Jones to Second Lieutenant.
Non-commissioned Officers in Company G — R. D.
Brown, B. B. Williams, P. P. Haynes, L. S. Millican, C. A.
•Guffy.
Promotions, in Company H during the war — John B.
Forcum to Captain, A. M. D. Kennedy to First Lieutenant, Julius
A. Summers to First Lieutenant, J. B. Stockton to Second Lieu-
tenant.
Non-commissioned Officers in Company H — J. M.
Albea, H. H. James, S. H. Bobbit, I. P. Maiden, H. P. Wil-
liams, T. M. Ball, J. A. Holmes, John A. Feimster, Stark Gra-
ham, A. L. Summers, John Barnett.
Promotions in Company I during the war — Edward
S. Marsh to Captain, B. T. Bonner to First Lieutenant, N. B.
Tuten to Second Lieutenant, T>. C. Styron to Second Lieutenant,
C A. Watson to Second Lieutenant, Edward Tripp to Second
Lieutenant, James A. Herrington to Second Lieutenant.
Non-commissioned Officersof Company I — C. C. Archi-
234 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
bald, Charles Tripp, Zack B. Caraway, B. B. Ross, R. R. Tuten,-
Henry L. Clayton, Charles Tripp.
Promotions In Company K during the war — W. C.
Coughenour to Captain, Marcus Hofflin to Captain, Moses L.
Bean to Captain, William Brown to Second Lieutenant, Hamil-
ton Long to Second Lieutenant, A. N. Wiseman to Second Lieu-
tenant.
Non-commissioned Officers of Company K — W. C. Fra-
ley, James Bowers, John E. Renter, John L. Lyerly, James
Crawford.
Number of Privates in the Fourth Regiment — Com-
pany A, 153; Company B, 109; Company C, 170; Company D,
98; Company E, 172; Company F, 109; Company G, 108; Com-
pany H, 246; Company I, 82; Company K, 129. Total, 1,376.
The following persons composed the regimental band, which
was a most efficient body of men, always at the post of duty,
and during 1864-'65 acting as litter-bearers and hospital nurses
in time of engagements: E. B. Neave, Chief Musician; W. R.
Gorman, John Y. Barber, Thomas Gillespie, John T. Good-
man, W. A. Moose, J. C. Steel, Nat. Raymer, Charles Heyer,
M. J. Weant, Green Austin, Brawley, E. B. Stinson,
Patterson.
The regiment was ordered to leave camp Hill, near Garys-
burg, N. C, and proceed to Richmond Va., on the 20th of July,
1861, where we remained until the 29th of July, when we were
sent to Manassas Junction, Va., arriving there some days after
the bloody engagement which was the first great battle of the war.
Here we remained doing post and fatigue duty and drilling dur-
ing the summer and winter. Colonel Anderson having been as-
signed to the command of the post.
While at Manassas the men suffered fearfully with sickness,
and many valuable young men succumbed to the various forms
of disease that assailed us there. There were many other troops
there, and almost every hour in the day the funeral dirge could
be heard and the firing of the doleful platoon sounded out upon
the air almost continually, reminding us that death was busy in
FouETH Eegiment. 235
*the camp; and almost every train that left the station carried the
remains of some soldier boy back to his friends at home. But
when the winter came the men regained their health, and having
become inured to camp life, and accustomed to taking care of
themselves, they were soon in fine spirits. In fact, when we left
Manassas Junction on the 8th of March, 1862, they had the
appearance and bearing of regular troops, and were in a measure
prepared for the terrible ordeals through which they were des-
tined to pass in the course of the next few months. The brigade
was now composed of the Forty-ninth Virginia, the Twenty-
seventh and Twenty-eighth Georgia, and the Fourth North
Carolina Regiments, and was under the command of Colonel
Anderson, and the regiment in command of Major Grimes, Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Young having been sent to Richmond to attend
to business connected with the command. After a march of
several days, we went into camp at Clark's Mountain, near
Orange Court House and about three miles from the Rapidan
River. Here we remained until the 8th of April, when we were
ordered to Yorktown. At this place we had our first experience
in contact with the enemy — doing picket duty and having some
skirmishes with his pickets. We also were subjected to the
fire of their gun-boats on the river.
THE BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBURG.
On the night of the 4th of May, 1862, Yorktown was evacu-
ated. Major Grimes was now in charge of the picket-line, Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Young in command of the regiment, and Colonel
Anderson still in command of the brigade. Major Grimes held
the picket-line until the troops had gotten under way, and then,
about daylight, he withdrew and joined the regiment about noon.
The next day the enemy attacked the Confederate forces at
Williamsburg. Our brigade had passed through the town, but
upon hearing the firing in the rear, we quickly faced about and
marched in the direction of the engagement. The rain was pour-
ing and the streets of the town covered with mud. The doors,
yards and balconies were crowded with women and children
236 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
t
wild with excitement, waving handkerchiefs and banners, and*
urging us on to the conflict. We passed a number of wounded
men, some streaming with blood and pale with exhaustion, be-
ing borne upon litters or supported by comrades. The excite-
ment and enthusiasm of the mem became intense. The air rang
with shouts as we pressed forward, eager for the fray. We
marched directly to the field of battle and -were formed in line.
The air was alive with the roar of artillery and musketry and
the shouts and shrieks of men, some in tones of triumph and
others in cries of pain. The balls flew thick around us, and a
few of our men were wounded; but we were not actively en-
gaged. The day was far spent, and the mists of night soon
gathered over the field and put an end to the strife. We passed
the night on the field, wet and faint with hunger and fatigue.
The night was cold; no fires were allowed, and the men suffered
greatly. Some would have died if they had not kept in motion
by stamping, marking time, or crowding together in groups to
keep each other warm.
This was the 5th of May; a day long to be remembered as the
first actual experience we had on the field of battle, and wit-
nessed the dire results of war. All night long we could hear
the cries and groans of some wounded men in our front, and an
occasional shot from the picket-line told of the presence of the
foe, which would not permit them to be taken care of.
The next day we resumed the line of march towards Rich-
mond. The roads were muddy from the rains and stirred up
by the artillery and baggage trains. The men literally waded
almost knee-deep in mud most of the day. Their rations were
exhausted, and that night each man received an ear of hard corn
for his supper; but not a murmur did I hear. The boys parched
their corn and ate it with the best grace they could command,
and were glad to rest quietly for the night. The next day we
were supplied with rations.
On the 13th of May we came to the Chickahominy E.iver,
where we remained until the battle of Seven Pines, or Fair
Oaks.
Fourth Eegiment. 237
THE BATTLE OF SEVEN PINES, OR FAIR OAKS.
The day before this bloody engagement was hot and sultry.
The regiment was kept under arms all day, and frequently changed
its position as if expecting an engagement. About sunset we
went into bivouac and were ordered to prepare rations for the
next day. The men were stirring until late at night, and then,
tired and jaded, they sought repose. But soon a most terrible
thunder-storm came down upon us. -It seemed as if heaven and
earth were being torn to pieces, while the rain came down in
torrents upon the men, who were poorly sheltered, some with
little fly tents and many with only a single blanket on a pole
instead of a tent. But towards morning the storm passed away,
leaving the air cool and bracing; and the men slept. The 31st
was a lovely May morning, and the sun rose bright and clear.
The men were full of life and the woods resounded with their
voices and movements. Breakfast was soon dispatched and the
order 16 "fall in" was given.
The regiment was in fine condition. Twenty-five commissioned
officers and five hundred and twenty men and non-commissioned
officers reported for duty on the morning of the 31st of May,
1862; and as they filed out and moved off toward the battlefield
of Seven Pines they presented a splendid picture of manhood,
energy and courage. The brigade was still under command of
Colonel Anderson, the regiment under Major Grimes, Lieutenant-
Colonel J. A. Young having been sent home on special duty.
Early in the afternoon we were drawn up in front of the enemy's
works near the Williamsburg road, under cover of a heavy forest,
within one-fourth of a mile of the enemy's batteries and redoubts.
A formidable abatis, formed by felling a dense grove of old field
pines and cutting the limbs partly off so as to form obstructions
to our approach, lay between us and the enemy's works. The
ground was also covered with water in many places — from six
inches to waist-deep. The Fourth Regiment was to the left of
the stage road, the right being near the road, which ran diagonally
across our front, crossing the enemy's line a little to the left of
the front of the Fourth Regiment. A very heavy redoubt was
238 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
in front of us, bristling with artillery supported by a mass of
infantry and flanked on either side by extensive earth-works
filled with men supported by artillery. We had not been in
this position but a few minutes when the enemy opened on us
with his artillery. A fearful storm of shot, shell, grape and
canister tore through the trees, plowing up the ground on every
side and cutting down the branches and saplings around us.
Soon the order was passed along the line to move forward. The
men sprang to their feet without a word and advanced to the
assault. For many rods we made our way through the obstruc-
tions above mentioned, under a terrible fire of musketry and
artillery, which we could not return with any effect on account
of the confusion into which we were thrown by the obstructions
and the great difiieulty of getting over them. Heavy musketry
on the right indicated that the battle was raging there with ter-
rible fury. Onward moved our devoted men, until at last the
open field was reached within one hundred yards of the enemy's
works. The men quickly resumed their places in line of battle
and opened fire upon the enemy with such deadly eScct as to
cause a momentary lull in the storm of deadly missiles that were
assailing us. But again the enemy renewed his fire with redoubled
fury. Our line moved on to within fifty or sixty yards of the
enemy's works. The men were falling rapidly. We halted near
a zigzag fence to await support on the right, which had failed to
come up. The enemy's fire continued with unabated fury, and
it was evident that the regiment could not remain there without
being utterly destroyed. The writer of this narrative looked
around for a field officer. Major Grimes was near, sitting calmly
on his iron-gray horse, with one leg thrown over the saddle bow,
as afterwards so often seen on the battlefield. I seized his leg to
attract his attention. He leaned toward me with his ear near my
face to hear what I had to say. " Major," I shouted, " we can't
stand this. Let us charge the works." "All right," said the
Major, "Charge them! 'Charge them!" I rushed back to the
front of my company, leaped over the fence, and waved them
forward with hat and sword. My company, H, rushed forward,
Fourth Regiment. 239
and the whole regiment instinctively moved with them, yelling
and firing as they advanced. In front of our left was a field
battery which was instantly silenced, also the heavy battery in
front of our centre and right. On we rushed with such impetuos-
ity and determination that the enemy abandoned everything and
retired. We captured the works and six pieces of artillery.
But again we had to halt to await necessary support on the right
and left. The writer of this sketch was wounded at this point
within a few rods of the breastworks. After the works were
captured in the first assault the line retired to the fence from
which we had made the charge, to await re-inforcements, which
arrived in a few minutes, when the whole line advanced and
drove the enemy entirely away.
When the second charge was ordered the regiment passed over
the same ground over which they had charged but a little while
before. It was appalling to see how much the line had been
reduced in numbers. The heavy, compact, orderly line of half
an hour previous was now scarcely more than a line of skirmish-
ers, but they moved with the same boldness and determination
as before. The ground was literally covered with the bodies of
their dead and wounded comrades, yet they moved steadily for-
ward, directing their fire with telling efiPect until within a few
paces of the fortifications, when the enemy again retired from his
works.
Of the twenty-five commissioned officers and six hundred, and
fifty-three men and non-commissioned officers every officer except
Major Grimes was killed, wounded or disabled, while of the men
seventy-four were killed and two hundred and sixty-five were
wounded. Major Grimes had a horse killed under him in the
charge. His foot was caught under the horse, and it was with much
difficulty that he was extricated from his helpless condition. While
on the ground and unable to rise, he waved his sword and shouted :
"Go on, boys ! Go on !" Upon regaining his feet he saw that
his color-bearer, James Bonner, of Company K, was killed, when
he seized the flag himself and rushed forward, waving his men
on to the charge. After the works were captured John A. Stike-
240 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65
leather, of CompaDy A, asked to be allowed to carry the flag;
and from that day to the close of the war, except when necessarily
absent for a short time, he bravely bore the regimental colors.
A few minutes after the -enemy was driven from his works
he began to rally in rear of his tents. Major Grimes order-
ed his regiment into a piece of woodland near by, and opened
fire upon him. In moving at double-quick across the open field,
to seek the cover of the woods, he discovered that the enemy
was throwing up breastworks on his right. He charged, driv-
ing him away and taking a number of prisoners. The night
was spent upon the field. The men being worn out, were glad
to stretch themselves upon the ground and rest, surrounded, as
they were, by dead and wounded men and animals, while the air
was filled with cries and groans of the wounded and dying.
The conduct of the officers and men in this notable conflict
was splendid beyond description. Their coolness and delibera-
tion in making their way through the abatis, under the most
galling fire at short range; the firmness and calmness with which
they reformed their weakened and disordered line and awaited
orders in the open field within seventy-five yards of the enemy's
works, under the same awful and destructive fire; the coolness
and precision with which they delivered their fire under all these
trying conditions; the irresistible firmness and determination
with which they made that wonderful and heroic charge in the
very jaws of death; the calmness and sullenness with which they
retired when the danger of being flanked was apparent, and the
grim and unwavering determination with which they returned
to the second charge and continued to fight, all displayed a
spirit of courage and manliness worthy of any men the world
has ever produced. It would be a privilege to record the list of
the gallant men who fell in this fight, but time and space for-
bids. Their names may not be known to history or to fame, but
their comrades knew them and loved them. We believe the
world is better and humanity is honored and ennobled by the
lives of such men, and that both are the poorer by their un-
timely loss.
Fourth Regiment. 241
The figures in regard to the number of the men engaged and
of those killed and disabled are taken from Colonel G. B.
Anderson's ofificial report of the battle. In all this carnage
these heroic men never for an instant wavered or showed
the slightest trepidation. It was as if some superhuman spirit
had been infused into them, and nothing but death itself
could stop them. The writer shall never forget his feelings
as he lay upon that bloody field wounded and helpless, and
saw those brave men pressing on in the face of that death-
dealing fire. On they went, their ranks growing thinner and
thinner, until within a few paces of the enemy's works, be-
hind which masses of bayonets were gleaming. Surely they will
all be made prisoners. But no. The forest of gleaming steel
begins to waver, and then to move away in confusion; and the
works are ours! Three color-bearers were among the killed,
and Major Grimes then took the flag and carried it through the
remainder of the fight.
It may be proper to say a word in regard to the absence of
Lieutenant-Colonel John A. Young from the regiment at this
battle and thereafter. He had been for some time before the
war, and at its beginning, a manufacturer of woolen cloth; and
had been sent home to procure clothing for the men of the regi-
ment, which he abundantly supplied. Colonel Young was also
afflicted with a distressing and incurable disease, which rendered
him unfit for active military service. This was a great sorrow
to him, as he was a devoted patriot and naturally of a military
spirit. But being assured that he could serve his country more
effectually at home than in the army, he at the earnest request of
Governor Vance, as well as of friends in the army and at home,
resigned his commission and devoted himself to manufacturing
clothing for the soldiers. This he did at much pecuniary sacri-
fice to himself, insomuch that the close of the war found him
almost a bankrupt in estate. He devoted himself specially to
supplying the wants of the Fourth Regiment, at one time sup-
plying every member in the regiment with a uniform and cap at
his own individual cost, and his enterprise, industry and munifi-
16
242 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
ceuce contributed greatly to the comfort and welfare of North
Carolina soldiers generally.
After the battle of Seven Pines, until the 26th of June, we
were mainly occupied in resting, drilling and recruiting the
regiment.
THE BATTLE OP MECHANICSVILLE.
On the 26th of June we crossed the Chickahominy River and
joined the troops about to engage in the battle of Mechanicsville.
Soon the regiment was under heavy fire, which lasted for several
hours, in that most trying of all positions, supporting other
troops who were actively engaged in battle. There was a bat-
tery in front of us doing great damage to our troops. General
D. H. Hill ordered Major Grimes to charge this battery with
his regiment, the Fourth. Major Grimes informed him that he
had only a mere skeleton of a regiment, and that the attempt
would be futile, as there were not more than one hundred and
fifty men and officers for duty. The General then ordered him
to hold himself in readiness to make the charge in case others
who had been ordered forward should fail to take the battery.
The charge was made by the other troops and the enemy driven
away. We then resumed our position on the right of the brigade-
cold harbor.
For some time the enemy seemed to be retiring before us.
After a great deal of marching and manoeuvering, we came within
sight of the retreating foe. The men raised a shout and set
out at double-quick in pursuit. Major Grimes took the flag and
rode forward, leading the charge, the men following in good
order. Suddenly a volley from the enemy's guns admonished us
that there was serious work at hand. Hitherto we had been
moving in column. Line of battle was quickly formed. The
brigade recoiled for a moment, but soon recovered, and stood
their ground like men. The firing of musketry in our front
was very heavy and incessant. We were ordered to change our
position to a piece of woodland on the left, where we remained
Fourth Regiment. 243
for some time, while the battle raged with fury in our front and
on our right. We were then ordered forward in line of battle
across an open field, after crossing which we passed through a
piece of woods, when suddenly we encountered a line of battle
concealed in the underwood in front of us. They opened fire
on us. Our line halted and poured a volley into their ranks.
Volley after volley followed as our men steadily advanced. Soon
the enemy gave way. We now had a little time to rest and reform
our line. Soon we heard heavy firing in front and to the right,
when it was discovered that some of our troops were pressing
down upon the enemy's left. In front of us was an open field
with a ridge extending across parallel with our line, towards
which we advanced. On reaching the top of the ridge the enemy
was seen lying in an old road, seeking shelter behind its banks
and other objects that afforded him protection. The order
was given to charge, and the men responded with a shout, rush-
ing across the field in the face of a furious fire. The scene was
terrific beyond description. The yells of our men, the roar of
musketry, the thunder of artillery, the shrieks of the wounded
and dying, the screaming of shells, with the loud commands of
the officers, all combined to excite and stimulate the men, who
rushed across the field, closing up their ranks as their comrades
fell, cut down by the enemy's fire, who held their ground stub-
bornly until we were almost near enough to cross bayonets with
him, when he gave way and fled in confusion. It was now
night, and the men, exhausted with the terrible efibrts of the day,
were glad to unroll their blankets and rest upon the ground.
Such was the part borne by the Fourth Regiment in the battle
of Cold Harbor. We lost heavily in proportion to our numbers.
Of one hundred and fifty men eight were killed and fifty wound-
ed. Among the wounded was the brave and faithful soldier,
Captain John B. Andrews, who died afterwards from his wounds.
Colonel Grimes had a horse killed under him, and led his men
on foot until another was captured, which he rode the balance of
the day. John A. Stikeleather, our color-bearer, acted with such
coolness and bravery as to elicit the public commendation of the
244 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-65.
regimeDtal commander. Many instances of individual bravery
might be mentioned if time and space would permit. Among
the killed in this battle was the brave and gallant Captain Blount,
who, though Quartermaster of the regiment, and not bound to
go into danger, was acting as volunteer aid to General Anderson
that day, and was shot while carrying the flag of one of the
regiments.
Major Grimes was made Colonel of the regiment. Captain
Carter Lieutenant-Colonel, and Captain James H. Wood, Major.
Colonel Carter's wound disabled him to such an extent that he
was retired to light duty, and Major "Wood was made Lieutenant-
Colonel in his place and Captain Osborne promoted to Major.
Lieutenant-Colonel Wood's wound was also of a very stubborn
character, and rendered it necessary for him to be put upon light
duty for many months.
The regiment participated in other movements of the army
around Richmond, engaging in various skirmishes during the
memorable campaign of the, seven days' fight. Together with
the Fifth North Carolina Regiment it was detailed to bury the
dead and both thus escaped the disastrous assault at Malvern
Hill on the 2d of July. The brigade was reorganized so as to
consist of the Second, Fourteenth, Thirtieth and Fourth North
Carolina Regiments, and with the rest of Lee's army moved into
Maryland, passing over the battlefield known as Second Manas-
sas, crossing the Potomac near Leesburg. We encamped near
Frederick City, and theuce, crossing the Blue Ridge, encamped
near Boonsboro.
BOONSBOEO.
On the 14th of September we took part in what is known
as the battle of Boonsboro, or South Mountain. We had
marched a few miles beyond the mountain pass, where we
spent the night of the 13th of September in camp. Early
on the morning of the 14th we were ordered back to the pass at
double-quick. Soon we heard cannonading and musketry, indi-
cating that a battle was in progress. When we reached the
Fourth Regiment. 245
summit of the mountain we found the enemy in heavy force
pressing our men. The brigade under General Anderson was
divided, he taking the Fourteenth and Thirtieth North Carolina
Regiments to the left, or north of the pass, and directing Colonel
Tew to take the Second and Fourth to the south of the road, or
to the right, facing Frederick City. Filing some half mile to
the right, we formed line of battle and moved in the direction of
the firing; but when we approached the scene of action the firing
ceased, and we found that the enemy had been repulsed by Gen-
eral Garland's Brigade, but at the cost of the life of that gallant
and faithful soldier, whose lifeless form was borne past us before
we reached the scene of action. We then took position on the
brow of the ridge. While iu this position the writer heard firing
in front of our line, and started to make a reconnaissance to ascer-
tain the cause. He cautiously crossed the stone fence behind
which we lay and started to follow a wooden fence joining it at
a right angle, when a shower of bullets clattered against the stone
fence, admonishing him that his njovements were being closely
observed by deadly foes. He quickly sought shelter behind the
wall from which he had ventured, satisfied with his advanture,
and thankful to escape unhurt. The regiment was then ordered
to make a reconnaissance to the front and right, through the
woods. Company H, under command of Captain Osborne, was
deployed as skirmishers, with instructions to move slowly and
silently through the thick forest and dense underwood in front
of the regiment. Our progress was necessarily very slow, as the
woods were very dense and the ground very rugged and moun-
tainous. We moved toward the south and swung around
gradually toward the east, marching about three-fourths of a mile,
when we discovered a heavy force of the enemy in a field on the
crest of the ridge, with a battery of field artillery. I at once
reported this fact to General Anderson, who had now come up
with the regiment, and quickly returned to the front, and was
surprised to find the whole force of the enemy moving down upon
us in line of battle. They opened upon us a heavy fire. Our
men received them firmly, returning their fire with spirit. We
246 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
had the advantage of shelter in the dense woods, while the enemy-
was in the open field, and must have suffered severely; but soon
night drew on and put a stop to the engagement. We then
returned to the road from whence we had started early in the
afternoon. Thus ended one of the most trying and, in some
respects, one of the most splendid days of the war. General D.
H. Hill had with the small force of about five or six thousand
men bafiled and held in check all day long a force of probably
ten times as many men, and enabled General Lee to get his
forces together at Sharpsburg. The men bore themselves with
much coolness and courage throughout the entire day. Oar loss
in killed and wounded was small, but among them some of our
best men. At night the army was withdrawn and moved to the
vicinity of Sharpsburg, where we arrived at 11 o'clock on the
15th and remained in line of battle most of the time until the
morning of the 17th. The regiment was now under command
of Captain W. T. Marsh, Colonel Grimes having been com-
pelled to retire from the fieid on account of an injury received
on the morning of the 14th at Boonsboro.
SHARPSBURG, OR ANTIETAM.
Wednesday, the 17th of September, 1862, was a day that will
go down in history as having witnessed one of the great battles
of the war. Anderson's Brigade had been on the right of the
division from the 14th until the morning of the 17th, when it
was moved to the old road, afterwards known as the "Bloody
Lane." The Fourth Regiment was commanded by Captain
Marsh, the Second by Colonel Tew, the Thirtieth by Colonel
Parker, the Fourteenth by Colonel Bennett, the brigade by
General George B. Anderson, General D. H. Hill having com-
mand of the division. The Thirtieth was on the right of the
brigade, the Fourth next, then the Fourteenth, and the Second
was on the left. About an hour after sunrise the enemy came
in sight and began the attack at once. Anderson's Brigade was
partially protected by the bank of the old road above mentioned,
which ran parallel with the line of battle in rear of the crest of
Fourth Regiment. 247
a ridge which concealed our men from the enemy's sight until
they were within seventy-five or eighty yards of us.
About nine o'clock the enemy's line of battle appeared, mov-
ing in magnificent style, with mounted officers in full uniform,
swords gleaming, banners, plumes and sashes waving, and bayo-
nets glistening in the sun. On they came with steady tramp
and confident mien. They did not see our single line of hungry,
jaded and dusty men, who were lying down, until within good
musket shot, when we rose and delivered our fire with terrible
effect. Instantly the air was filled with the cries of wounded
and dying and the shouts of brave officers, trying to hold and
encourage ' their men, who recoiled at the awful and stunning
shock so unexpectedly received. Soon they rallied and advanced
again ; this time more cautiously than before. Our men held
their fire until they were within good range again, and again they
rose to their feet and mowed them down, so that they were com-
pelled to retire a second time; but they rallied and came again,
and the battle now became general all along the line. The roar
of musketry was incessant and the booming of cannon almost
without intermission. Occasionally the shouts of men could be
heard above the awful din, indicating a charge or some advantage
gained by one side or the other. Horses without riders were
rushing across the field, occasionally a section of artillery could
be seen flying from one point to another, seeking shelter from
some murderous assault, or securing a more commanding posi-
tion. Soon Captain Marsh was mortally wounded and borne
from the field. The command of the regiment then devolved
upon Captain Osborne, who in turn was wounded and borne
from the field. One by one the other company officers fell,
either killed or wounded, until Second Lieutenant Weaver, of
Company H, was in command of the handful of men who were
left, and then he was killed bearing the colors of the regiment
in his hand. The regiment was left without a commissioned
officer; but the men needed none, except for general purposes.
There were not more than one hundred and fifty men for duty,
every one of whom seemed to realize his own value, and to act
248 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
with that cool and determined courage which showed that he
understood the emergency, and was determined to do his best.
All day long the battle raged with almost unabated fury and
with varying results, sometimes one side gaining the advantage
and then the other.
As the day wore away the contest seemed to gather new force.
The enemy renewed their efforts to gain what they had failed to
achieve during the day, while the Confederates were equally
determined to defeat their aims. The flower of the two great
armies had met in open field, and neither was willing to leave
the other in possession. The Northern troops displayed wonder-
ful courage and obstinancy during the entire day, while our men
held their ground with equal courage and determination. Gen-
eral Anderson and Colonel Parker were wounded. Colonel Tew
was killed, and Colonel Bennett had command of the brigade.
The men of different regiments became mixed with each other
so that all distinct organization of regiments was broken up, and
all identity lost — still the men maintained their positions in line,
and fought like heroes. General Hill was with his men all day
long, encouraging and cheering them by his presence and by his
cool and fearless bearing. On two occasions the enemy approach-
ed to within about thirty yards of our line, but each time they
were forced to retire.
Late in the day the enemy forced his way beyond the right of
the brigade, and Colonel Bennett found it necessary to retire from
the "Bloody Lane." This he did in good order, and in doing
so passed within sixty yards of the right flank of the enemy's
line; but they were so hotly engaged with one of our lines in
front that they did not observe the Colonel's movement until he
had extricated his men from their dangerous position, and passed
some distance to the enemy's front and left. Finding a piece of
artillery which had been abandoned, the Colonel manned it and
opened fire upon the enemy's line. Captains Harney and Beall
with Sergeant P. D. Weaver, all of the Fourteenth, were
the men who manned the gun. In this movement the Fourth
Regiment lost a number of men from companies I and K, on
Fourth Regiment. 249
the left, who were taken prisoners: being separated from the
right by a little hillock, they did not know the retreat had taken
place until they were in the hands of the enemy. This new
position was held during the rest of the day. The command
remained on the field until night, when the battle ended. They
then bivouacked in a grove near by.
The next day the brigade was commanded by Major Collins,
Colonel Bennett having been disabled. The Fourth Regiment
was commanded by Orderly Sergeant Thomas W. Stephenson, of
Company C. General Hill had the brigade formed, and made a lit-
tle speech to them, calling them "the faithful few," warmly com-
mending their courage and fortitude during the fearful conflict
of the day before.
In this battle General George B. Anderson, who commanded
the brigade, was wounded. His wound proved fatal, and the
Confederacy lost one of its noblest defenders. He was the first
Colonel of the Fourth Regiment. The writer of this sketch
knew him well and loved him much. He was a perfect speci-
men of a man in every way. A graduate of West Point, a
devoted Churchman, a pure and chivalrous gentleman, as modest
and chaste as a woman, as brave and daring as a man could be.
His was a very great loss.
The 18th day of September was spent near the hard fought
field of the day before, in constant expectation of another engage-
ment, while details were occupied in burying the dead and caring
for the wounded; our own wounded being sent across the river
to the Virginia side. At night all remaining baggage and troops
crossed over; the writer of this narrative being left at the house
of Mrs. Boteler, in Shepherdstown, Va., where he lay for six
weeks in a most helpless and precarious condition from the
wound received on the 17th, and where he received every atten-
tion that human kindness could provide on the part of the mem-
bers of the family, and also from Mr. Darnell, a faithful nurse
detailed from the hospital, to whom he is indebted for his life.
He would also mention with gratitude, his faithful negro servant,
Gus, who remained with him during the time in spite of the
250 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-65.
efforts that were made to induce him to go away with the North-
ern troops, who held the town where we were.
On the 20th of September the regiment took part in the attack
that was made on the Northern troops who had crossed the river
near the town. This engagement proved disastrous to the enemy,
many of them being killed, and many drowned in the river as
they retreated across. Afterward the command was removed to
the neighborhood of Fredericksburg, where it spent the winter
doing picket duty and recruiting its numbers. The writer hav-
ing been captured while wounded, in Shepherdstown, was not
exchanged until after the battle of Fredericksburg.
FREDERICKSBURG.
On the 13th of December our brigade was placed in position
to support the artillery, preparatory to the battle of Fredericks-
burg, which took place on the 15th. We were held in reserve
until after the enemy had made the first charge, when the brigade
was moved forward and took the front line, which it held the
remainder of the day. Our loss in this engagement was but
trifling, as we were protected by breastworks most of the time.
Immediately after the battle of Fredericksburg we went into
winter quarters on the south bank of the Rapidan River, where
we remained for the balance of the winter.
CHANCELLORSVILLE.
On the 1st of May, 1863, the enemy bagan to make demonstra-
tions indicating a purpose of beginning the campaign. We now
began that grand movement which, but for the untimely wound-
ing of General Jackson, would have resulted in the entire
destruction of Hooker's army. The brigade was commanded by
the brave and gallant Ramseur, who displayed remarkable cour-
age and skill in managing it during this campaign, and as long
as he continued in command. The regiment was commanded by
Colonel Grimes. After much skirmishing, and then a long and
circuitous route, we found ourselves on the extreme right of
Fourth Eegiment. 251
Hooker's army. This was the 2d of May. Though late iu the
afternoon, and the troops much fatigued, line of battle was
formed, and the attack begun. We struck the enemy squarely
OH the. flank, and everything gave way before us until night put
a stop to our advance. Many prisoners and much baggage and
stores were captured. We slept on the field that night, and on
the 3d of May was fought th.e battle of Chancellorsville.
The left of the Fourth Regiment was near the great road
which ran in rear of the enemy's works and nearly parallel with
them, our line of battle extending to the right of this road at
right angles with it. At daylight the battle began, Jackson's
Corps, now under Stuart, attacking the enemy's right, while other
troops engaged their front. Ramseur's Brigade was formed in
the rear of Paxton's brigade that held a line of breastworks which
we had captured the day before. This brigade was ordered to
advance and charge the enemy in front, but they failed to comply
with the order, whereupon General Ramseur, who was present,
and heard the command, offered to make the charge. The order
was then given in the presence of Colonel Grimes, when they
both hurried back to the brigade and ordered the men forward.
When the breastworks were reached the men who occupied them
were lying down, our men passing literally over them and across
the works, formed line of battle in front of the enemy, in the
face of a destructive fire. The command "Double-quick" was
given, when the Fourth Regiment, under Colonel Grimes, and
part of the Second, under Colonel Cox, moved forward and
drove the enemy from their works. There were several batteries
on the hill in front, but when the infantry left the works the
artillery was quickly abandoned. These batteries had done ter-
rible havoc among our troops as they approached the enemy's
lines. Several efforts were made by the enemy to recover their
works, but they were driven back each time with heavy loss.
Afterwards they extended their lines and came down upon our
right flank, threatening to cut off our retreat, when we were com-
pelled to fall back and rejoin the other part of the brigade, which
still occupied the line from which the charge had been made.
252 NoKTH Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Colonel Grimes received a severe contusion in this part of the
engagement, and when he reached the breastworks referred to
he fell fainting to the ground. He soon revived and was ready
for action again. Meanwhile General Rodes came up and
ordered the troops, who had refused to charge, to move forward,
when the whole line, thus re-inforced, returned and captured the
entire line of works. Our loss was very severe. Forty-six
oiScers and men were killed outright, fifty-seven wounded, and
fifty-eight captured, out of three hundred and twenty-seven
officers and men who went into the engagement.
General Cox, in his address on the "Life and Character of
General Ramseur," gives a copy of a letter from General Lee to
Governor Vance, in which he speaks in terms of high praise of
the conduct of Ramseur and his brigade in this engagement,
and states that General Jackson had sent him a message to the
same effect, after he was wounded, in reference to his conduct
the day before. General Ramseur in his official report says :
" The charge of the brigade, made at a critical moment, when
the enemy had broken and was hotly pressing the centre of the
line in front with apparently overwhelming numbers, not only
checked his advance, but threw him back in disorder and pur-
sued him with heavy loss from his last line of works. Too
high praise cannot be accredited to officers and men for their
gallantry, manly courage and fortitude during this brief but
arduous campaign.
" The advance of the line on Friday was made under the eyes
of our departed hero (Jackson) and of General A. P. Hill,
whose words of commendation and praise bestowed on the field
we fondly cherish. And on Sunday the magnificent charge of
the brigade upon the enemy's last and most terrible stronghold
was made in view of General Stuart and General Rodes, whose
testimony that it was the most glorious charge of that most
glorious day, we are proud to remember and report to our kindred
and friends. All met the enemy with unflinching courage; and
for privation, hardships and splendid marches, all of which were
Fourth Regiment. 253
cheerfully borne, they deserve the praise of our beautiful and
glorious Confederacy."
The victory was complete, and we were left in undisputed
possession of the field. Nothing could surpass the dashing skill
and courage of the brilliant and accomplished Ramseur on this
occasion, and the day before, while the intrepid Grimes shone
with magnificent splendor by his side. They were like two lion-
hearted brothers, while the gallant Cox, heroic Parker and the
brave and sturdy Bennett, always in the thickest of the fight,
and where duty called, constituted a galaxy that any country
might well be proud to own. It was a dearly bought victory —
many of our best young men laid down their lives that day.
After a few weeks' rest and recuperation the command was again
on the move,
BRANDY STATION.
On the 9th of June we supported the Confederate cavalry at
Brandy Station. Though under fire, we were not actively
engaged. We then went to the Valley and assisted in driving
the enemy from Berryville and Martinsburg, and on the 15th of
June crossed into Maryland with Lee's airmy and participated in
the Gettysburg campaign. The conduct of the men on this
march through the enemy's country was orderly and gentlemanly
in the highest degree. There was no straggling, no disorder and
no plundering. The only disturbance of the property of the
country the writer saw was the men helping themselves to the
splendid supplies of cherries that grew along the lanes through
which we passed.
GETTYSBURG.
On the 1st of July, 1863, we moved off about sunrise toward
Gettysburg. About 3 o'clock p. m. we arrived at the scene of
action. The battle bad begun, as was apparent from the roar
of artillery and musketry in our front and to the right. The
Fourth Regiment was on the left of the brigade, under Colonel
Grimes. We were ordered forward in advance of the main line
254 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
of battle. We had only moved a few paces when our direction
was changed by the right flank. Marching a few hundred yards,
we were recalled by General Rodes and formed on a hill, in
connection with the Second Regiment, to repel an attack that was
threatened from that quarter. In a few minutes a brigade of
Federals appeared in our front, moving obliquely to the left
instead of advancing towards us. Genera! Rodes then ordered
the Second and Fourth Regiments to advance upon them. Soon
we were exposed to a severe fire, enfilading our lines from the
woods on the right, which caused Colonel Grimes to change front
to the right. We then advanced upon the enemy, and being
joined by the other two regiments of the brigade, we drove them
before us in much confusion, capturing a large number of prison-
ers. We were the first to enter the town of Gettysburg, and
halted to rest on the road leading out toward the west. Here
we remained until night, when we were ordered to make a night
attack; but after approaching within a short distance of the
enemy's lines the order was countermanded, and we returned to
the position first occupied. On the 3d of July we were under
heavy firing from the enemy's guns, but only a few men were
hurt, as we were protected by a ridge. We lost some valuable
men in this battle, among whom was Lieutenant John Stockton,
of Company H. He was a brave, modest, conscientious, Christian
soldier, just in the beginning of his manhood. The regiment
behaved splendidly in this battle. In fact, the men had become
so much accustomed to marching and fighting that we never
thought of their doing otherwise.
On the 5th of July, Ewell's Corps began the retreat from
Gettysburg, and the regiment formed part of the rearguard of
the army, which position it occupied until ^ the army recrossed
the Potomac at or near Hagerstown. The men bore the hard-
ships and privations of this most trying campaign with remarka-
ble cheerfulness and fortitude. After crossing the Potomac into
Virginia, we went to Orange Court House, where we remained
doing picket duty until about the middle of November, when
we went into winter quarters some eight miles from that town,
Fourth Eegiment. 255
and spent the winter doing picket duty on the Eappahannock,
participating in the skirmish at Kelley's Ford, and also at Mine
Run.
SPOTTSYLVANIA COURT HOUSE.
On the 5th of May, 1864, General Grant began his movement
toward Richmond, having crossed the Rapidan with more than
a hundred thousand men. From that day until the close of the
campaign the regiment was actively engaged almost every day.
On the 8th of May two companies of the regiment were detailed
to strengthen the line of sharp-shooters commanded by Major
Osborne, now numbering, so re-inforced, some three hundred
men. After manoeuvering for some time with the enemy, Gen-
eral Ramseur rode to the front and ordered a charge. The men
moved off in a double-quick, crossing a field some two hundred
and fifty yards wide, and driving the enemy's skirmishers before
us. We encountered a line of battle on the top of the ridge.
With a shout, the men pushed forward, and the enemy's line gave
way, leaving their baggage in heaps where they had piled it pre-
paratory to an engagement.
On the 9th of May we had a sharp encounter with the enemy
in force. After some twenty minutes fighting, we advanced
upon them, when they retired. On the lOth and 11th our sharp-
shooters were actively engaged, day and night, and the regiment
kept in line of battle most of the time. On the evening of the
11th an attack was made upon our right, breaking the line.
General Battle's (Alabama) Brigade rushed in and supported the
line that had been driven back, and with the aid of our brigade,
which charged the enemy's right flank, they were driven back
and the line was restored after a most stubborn and determined
resistance on the part of the foe. On the morning of the 12th
of May the euemy made a furious assault upon General Edward
Johnston's line, half a mile to our right, breaking the line and
capturing many men. Rodes' Division was ordered to retrieve
the loss. The fate of the army was at stake. Ramseur, with
his brigade, led the charge, and in the face of the most murderous
fire drove back the foe and restored the broken line. Ramseur
266 jSToeth Caeolina Troops, 1861-'65.
was wounded in this charge when near the retaken works. Colo-
nel Grimes took command of the brigade for the remainder of
that day and for some days after. Lieutenant-Colonel Wood
was now in command of the regiment, and continued in com-
mand until his death. He was a most faithful, brave and consci-
entious Christian soldier; a lovely gentleman and skillful officer.
The broken line was retaken after a most fearful encounter, and
held until after 2 o'clock at night, during which time we repelled
more than twenty distinct and desperate attempts of the enemy
to retake the works we had recaptured in the morning.
Speaking of the battle of the 12th of May, an army cor-
respondent of the London Herald says :
"Ramseur's Brigade of North Carolina Troops being, ordered
to charge, were received by the enemy with stubborn resistance.
The desperate character of the struggle along that brigade was
told terribly by the rapidity of its musketry. So close was the
fighting there for a time, that the fire of friends and foe rose up
rattling in one common roar. Ramseur's North Carolinians
dropped thick and fast, but he continued with glorious constancy
to gain ground, foot by foot. Pressing under a fierce fire reso-
lutely on, on, on, the struggle was about to become one of hand-
to-hand, when the Federalists shrank from the bloody trial,
driven back, but not defeated. They bounded on the opposite
side of the earth-works, placing them in their front, and renew-
ed the conflict. A rush of an instant brought Ramseur's men
to the side of the defenses; and though they crouched close
to the slopes under an enfilade from the guns of the salient their
musketry rattled in deep and deadly fire on the enemy that stood
in overwhelming numbers but a few yards from their front.
Those brave North Carolinians had thus, ih one of the hottest
conflicts of the day, driven the enemy from the works that had
been occupied during the previous night by a brigade which
until May the 12th, had never yielded to a foe — ' The Stonewall.' "
** *****^
Ramseur, though suffering much from the wound in his hand
would not leave the field until the fight was over, and soon
FOURTH REGIMENT.
1. W. C. Cougliinoiir, Captain, Co. K.
a. William F. Kelly, Captain, Co. G.
3. S. A. Kelly, Captain, Co. G.
4. Jesse S. Barnes, Captain, Co. F.
5. John B. Andrews, Captain, Co. C.
0. H. M. Warren, Captain, Co. F.
7. M. L. Bean, Captain, Co. K.
8. Tliomas M. Allen, Captain, Co. E.
Fourth Regiment. 257
afterwards resumed the command of his brigade with his arm in
a sling.
This was one of the most splendid achievements of the war,
and was accomplished in magnificent style. Ramseur, on his
fiery steed, looked like an angel of war. Grimes, too, was on
his horse, the very picture of coolness, grira determination and
undaunted courage, while Wood and the other officers and men
moved into the horrible conflict like men of iron and steel. The
enemy, flushed with their temporary success, stood their ground
with persistent and stubborn firmness, and poured into our ranks
a destructive fire. But onward moved our lion-hearted men,
closing up their rapidly thinning ranks, and pouring a continuous
storm of leaden hail into the enemy's ranks, as he slowly, but
stubbornly retired, until he reached the line of works, as
described above, from which he was driven almost at the very
point of the bayonet. The pits at the breastworks were filled
with water from recent rains; many dead and wounded from
both sides were lying in the pits when we reached them. The
water was red with human gore. The bodies of the dead were
dragged out, and the men took shelter in their places, which they
held for the balance of the day. The writer received a painful
contusion from a ball that passed through a heavy canteen of
water which he carried, and which no doubt saved his life.
After recovering from the temporary shock, he resumed his place
in line of battle, where he remained the rest of the day. After
the battle General Rodes thanked the brigade in person, saying
they deserved the thanks of the country, and that they had saved
Ewell's Corps. General Early also made a similar statement in
regard to this occasion. Our loss included some of the best of
our brave and well tried men. Among the number was Cap-
tain William McRorie, of Company A, as brave and gallant a
youth as ever drew a sword. About 2 o'clock in the morning
we changed our position to one more advantageous, which we
held until the 19th of May. The position occupied by the
brigade was just to the left of "the bloody angle," the right of
the Fourth Regiment extending to within a few rods of the
17
258 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
angle, where the trees were literally cut down by minie- balls
from the enemy's guns. This was one of the most prolonged
and stubbornly contested engagements of the war. It began
about halfpast ifive in the morning and lasted until near two
o'clock the next morning, and the enemy made very many assaults
upon the lines during the time, but without avail.
On the 19th of May we made a flank movement upon the left
of Grant's army, which resulted in a heavy engagement. Here
we met the enemy in the open field, without breastworks on
either side. Both sides were determined to do their best, and
displayed the most undaunted courage. Night put an end to the
engagement, and the next morning found both armies some dis-
tance from the scene of the engagement. Our loss was sixty-
five men killed and wounded. Among the former was the brave
and gallant Christian soldier, Augustus Byers, and among the
latter the writer of this narrative.
In speaking of this engagement of the 19th of May, General
Grimes in his notes says: "Two of the 'Old Guard' killed —
Gus Byers . and Taylor. The old Fourth lost sixty-five
killed and wounded." The regiment was under the command
of Colonel Wood, and acted with its usual courage and firmness
under a very trying ordeal, being at one time completely flanked
by the enemy ; but by a skillful movement we changed front to
the left and met the foe in good order. This was an open field
engagement, and both sides deported themselves with much
courage and determination. After this the command was kept
continually on the move until the army reached the vicinity of
Richmond ; in fact, for the rest of the summer and fall.
On the 22d of May we reached Hanover Junction, after much
manoeuvering and skirmishing, the enemy endeavoring to flank
us. On the 25th a severe fight came ofi", and again on the 30tb,
in both of which the enemy was repulsed. Our loss in these
engagements was small. Again on the 3d of June a fierce and
bloody engagement occurred, in which the enemy again retired.
This was one of the bloodiest fights of the campaign, and the
enemy's loss was very heavy.
Fourth Regiment. 259
On the 13th of June the division moved in the direction of
South Anna River to meet the reported advance of General Hun-
ter. General Grimes was now in command of the division, in
the absence of General Rodes.
On the 4th of July Harper's Ferry was captured with con-
siderable stores and a number of prisoners. This was a gala
day for the Confederates. The enemy had prepared a sumptuous
feast, and was celebrating the day, when our men made the
attack, drove him out of the town, and captured everything
just as he was about to begin the feast. Of course our hungry
and thirsty men enjoyed the booty to the fullest extent.
On the 6th of July the command crossed the Potomac at
Shepherdstown, Va., and on the 7th passed through Fredrick
City, going towards Washington City, meeting with slight
resistance from the few troops who were left there. At the
Monocacy River we encountered General Wallace, who had been
sent to intercept and resist our advance. His troops occupied
the east bank of the river, but his skirmishers were on the west
side. These were driven back, and after a short engagement the
whole Federal force gave way, leaving the field, with their dead
and wounded, in our hands, with five or six hundred prisoners.
The Federals fought well, and our loss was severe; but the
troops were in good spirits. The command moved on to Rock-
ville on the 10th, and on the 11th reached Eleventh Street Pike,
which leads into the City of Washington, and advanced to the
neighborhood of Fort Stephens. After two or three days we be-
gan the retreat for Virginia, during which there were frequent
skirmishes but no important engagements. The command
recrossed the Potomac at Leesburg, crossed the Blue Ridge at
Snicker's Gap and the Shenandoah at Snicker's Ford.
snicker's gap.
On the 18th of July the regiment participated in a fierce and
bloody encounter with the enemy near Snicker's Gap. Several
brigades of Federal troops had crossed to the south side of the
Shenandoah, leaving a considerable force on the north bank as a
260 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65. ■
support and a cover for their movements. This force could not
be reached by our men, but isept up an annoying fire upon us
while we engaged the force on the south side of the river. Here
occurred one of the most exciting scenes of the war. The enemy
pursuing Ewell, had crossed to the south side of the river. Our
men hurried back to meet them, and when they came in sight the
enemy had formed line of battle parallel with and on the south
side of the river. Our men were in lineof battle on the ridge several
hundred yards to the south. About half way between the two
lines, in the valley, was a stone fence. As soon as this was seen
our men made a dash for it. The Federals seeing this, and
knowing the value of such a defence, made a dash for it at the
same time. Away went both lines of battle at full speed as fast
as their feet could carry them, scarcely taking time to fire a single
shot, both lines running for dear life to gain this coveted prize.
But our men had the advantage of down grade, and gained the
wall, while the enemy was some fifty or more yards away, and
in much disorder. He instantly faced about when he saw
that our men would reach the wall first, and beat a hasty retreat,
making for the ford at which he had crossed. Our men
opened fire upon him and he suffered heavily, leaving many
of his men and three regimental flags on the field. The
brigade charged the enemy and drove him in and across the
river, capturing many prisoners.
Among the soldiers who fell that day was the brave and gallant
Colonel James H. "Wood, who was in command of the regiment
at the time he fell. No better man died during the warthan this
splendid soldier. He was a Christian gentlemen, a young man
of much promise, and a rnodel soldier; brave, gallant and faith-
ful. He died at the post of duty, giving his life a willing sacri-
fice for the cause of liberty, which he loved more than life itself.
At this engagement also fell Colonel W. A. Owens, of the Fifty-
third (N. C.) Regiment, and Lieutenant-Colonel W. S. Stallings,
of the Second (N. C.) Eegiment. All of these brave and gallant
men were much beloved in the army and at home, and in their
deaths the cause lost three of its most splendid men.
Fourth Regiment. 261
After this fight the enemy's sharp-shooters annoyed our men
very much with their long-range rifles, firing from the tree-tops.
A man of the Fourth Regiment, whose name I have not been
able to learn, discovered one of these sharp-shooters in the top
of a tree. He ran from tree to tree until within range of his
own gun, and brought him down the first shot. The enemy's
men ran oiut and fired upon this daring Confederate, while our
men rushed to his rescue; but they could not save him — he
fell pierced with bullets. There was no more firing from the
trees at that place.
The command of the regiment now devolved upon Captain
S. A. Kelly, of Company G, who continued in command until
wounded and captured at the battle of Winchester, when Major
Stansill was put in command, which he retained until the month
of March, when he gave it up on account of a wound, and Cap-
tain Forcum commanded it until the surrender. The brigade,
under command of General William R. Cox, was kept constantly
on the move in the neighborhood of Berry ville, Newtown, Mid-
dletown, Strasburg, Kearnstown and Bunker Hill, sometimes
tearing up the railroad track ; again skirmishing with the enemy,
and then resting for a few days, awaiting orders; at one time
crossing the Potomac and going as far as Hagerstown, Md. ; then
returning rapidly to Bunker Hill, and from there to Winchester ;
and then again to Strasburg and Harper's Ferry. The health
and spirits of the men were good, and they were always pleased
to be in motion, even if it involved a skirmish with the enemy.
At Stevenson's Depot and Berryville there was considerable
fighting, with variable results; sometimes retreating, and some-
times advancing ; but most generally the latter, as the enemy's
forces were at that time usually small, and they not much dis-
posed to make a stubborn fight.
THE BATTLE OF WINCHESTER.
On the 19th of September the brigade was under arms at an
early hour. About 10 o'clock a. m. line of battle was formed
by three brigades of the division. Grimes (Rodes') on the
262 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65. «
right, Cox in the center and Cooke on the left. Our command
was on the left of the Winchesler and Martinsburg road. ^ We
soon engaged the enemy, who had approached near our position,
and who after a short encounter gave way. Cox pressed him vigo-
rously through an open field, while Grimes drove him through the
woods, Cooke supporting our left. At this point General Rodes
was killed, but the men did not observe the fact at the time.
So they pressed on, driving everything before them, and captured
a number of prisoners who had secreted themselves in a ditch.
The brigade moved on to the crest of the ridge where Grimes
had formed his line. Here General Evans' Brigade was driven
back, leaving our left exposed. A battery was sent to our relief
and the advance of the enemy checked at this point. Between
4 and 5 o'clock we fell back in good order, as the enemy had
passed our left and threatened our rear. Line of battle was
formed upon the crest of some hills, from which we advanced,
again driving the enemy, but being outflanked, we had to retire
again, which was done in good order. The whole army was
now in retreat. Our division held the enemy in cheek until the
greater part of our men had withdrawn, and then retreated in
column for some distance, when the brigade formed line of bat-
tle and protected the artillery until night. We then continued
the retreat until we came to Fisher's Hill. The Fourth Regi-
ment was actively engaged with the brigade during this engage-
ment and suffered considerably. Among the killed was the
brave and devoted soldier. Lieutenant T. W. Stevenson, of
Company C, and a number of our best men of the ranks.
This was a most disastrous day for the Confederacy. The
brave and gallant Rodes and many valuable officers and men
were killed. The battle lasted nine hours, and the men were
under arms for forty-eight hours, with but little chance for rest
or rations. The command returned to Strasburg, from there to
New Market, fighting much of the way, and keeping in good
order. From Port Republic we marched to Weir's Cave, thence
to Waynesboro, Mt. Sidney, Harrisonburg, and back again to
New Market.
Fourth Eegiment. 263
CEDAR CREEK,
Our next encounter with the enemy was at Cedar Creek. By a
well planned flank movement, after marching all night, we attack-
ed the enemy at daylight on the 19th of October, 1864. The
surprise was complete, and the enemy fled from his tents without
arms, and many of the men in their night clothes. So completely
were they demoralized that a whole division fled before our little
brigade, having made but slight resistance. Some six thousand
prisoners and much artillery and baggage were captured. Until
3 o'clock everything was ours. But between 3 and 4 o'clock
p. M. the enemy rallied under the direction of General Sheridan,
who met the retreating columns about that time, turned them
back, and wrested most of the fruits of the victory, except the
prisoners, from our grasp. Ramseur, the brave successor of the
gallant Rodes, was mortally wounded, and our command barely
escaped being captured. As an evidence of the severity of this
i5ght, there stands a marble shaft on the field with an inscription
which states that it marks the place where the Eighth Vermont
Regiment fought that day, and that of one huodred and sixty-
four men and sixteen officers they lost one hundred and ten men
and thirteen officers killed and wounded. The loss of the Fourth
Regiment in this fight was comparatively small, but among the
number was the brave and gallant Lieutenant William Richard
McNeely, of Company A, than whom a better soldier never
drew a sword. Among the wounded was John A. Stikeleather,
the faithful standard-bearer of the regiment, who soon recovered,
however, and bore the colors of the Fourth Regiment until the
surrender.
When Ramseur fell. General Grimes, our former Colonel, took
command of the division, which he retained until the close of
the war. This was a sad day for our cause. We were simply
overpowered by numbers, the enemy having about five men to
our one. As it was, our division held its own, or rather was
victorious, until the troops on the left gave way about 4 o'clock
264 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
in the afternoon, and then it was compelled to retire, but retained
its organization and saved the army from a complete rout.
A KIGHT ATTACK.
On this campaign occurred one of those most trying experi-
ences to a soldier's nerves, namely, a night attack. It was
known that the enemy was in the neighborhood. After night
the men were ordered to lay aside everything that could make a
noise, such as canteens, tin cups, pans, etc. At a late hour, when
all was quiet, an order was passed down the line in a whisper
to move slowly and stealthily forward. After going considerable
distance and approaching near the enemy's line, some one stepped
on a rail, or a pole, which broke with a loud report. Instantly
every man fell with his face to the ground. A stream of fire
blazed out along the enemy's line, and a shower of bullets
whistled over their heads. The next instant the men were on
their feet firing and yelling as they advanced. The lines were
so near and the movement of our men so rapid that the Federals
could not reload their guns, so they fled through the woods in
the dark, and our men were glad to rest until morning.
On the 23d of November the command was marched from
New Market to meet a heavy force of cavalry that approached
Rood's Hill. After considerable fighting the enemy was routed
and driven away. The ground was covered with snow, and the
men suffered much from cold and exposure. On the 13th of
December, 1864, the command went to Petersburg, where they
spent the winter, sharing the dangers and hardships of the seige.
On the 25th of March, 1865, General Grimes made an attack
upon the enemy's works at Petersburg, capturing a number of
prisoners and twelve pieces of artillery; but the Fourth Regiment
did not participate in this affair, as the courier got lost in the dark
and failed to deliver the orders to the officer in command. The
1st of April, 1865, the enemy attacked the line on our right and
left, bat did not molest our brigade. The fight at Fort Gregg
was very fierce, and the men of our command saw the fall of
that stronghold, but could afford no assistance, as their own front
Fourth Eegxment. 265
would have been exposed had they left their position. On the
6th, Grimes' Division was covering Lee's retreat, when a
determined stand was made at Sailor's Creek and the enemy
held in check until both flanks of the division were turned by
supsrior numbers, and the command was saved from capture by
a rapid retreat. Grimes staid with his men until all were over
the creek and the bridge destroyed, then plunging his horse,
Warren, into the water, crossed over under a perfect storm of
bullets and made his escape.
On the 7th of April Cox's Brigade, with two others, under
General Grimes, formed line of battle and hurried to the relief
of General Mahone, whose line was giving way before the enemy.
A charge was made and the enemy driven back and a large num-
ber of prisoners captured. General Lee complimented the men
in person for their gallantry on this occasion. On the 8th the
men marched all day, hungry, tired and sore, but cheerful and
brave. About 9 o'clock that night heavy firing was heard in
front, when the men were ordered forward, and marched most of
the night, passing through the town of Apporaatox Court House
before day, Sunday morning, the 9th, and engaged in the fight
which occurred near that place. The enemy was repulsed and
the men were withdrawn after driving the enemy from his posi-
tion, and the division started to rejoin the main body of Gordon's
Corps. General Grimes rode forward and asked General Gordon
where he should form his men. The general answered, "Any-
where you please." Struck by this answer. Grimes asked for
an explanation, when he was told that the army had been sur-
rendered by General Lee.
I close this part of this sljetch with the following quota-
tion from an address delivered by Henry A. London, Esq., of
Pittsboro. After telling how General Grimes had planned
and carried out successfully the last fight made by any part
of General Lee's army on the 9th of May at Appomattox
Court House, and had driven the enemy away from General
Lee's front, driving them for nearly a mile, he continues:
"General Grimes then sent a messenger to General Gordon,
266 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
annouDcing his success, and that the road to LyDchburg was now
open for the escape of the wagons. Then, to his great surprise,
he i-eceived orders to retire, which he declined to do, thinking
that General Gordon did not understand the commanding posi-
tion held by him. General Gordon still continued to send orders
to withdraw, which General Grimes continued to disregard, still
thinking that General Gordon was in ignorance of his position,
until finally an order came from General Lee himself, and then
slowly and sullenly our men began to retrace their 'Steps over the
ground from which they had so successfully driven the enemy.
This withdrawal was conducted in an orderly manner, although in
the immediate front of a greatly superior force. At one time the
enemy, with loud cheers, made a sudden rush as if to overwhelm
our little band ; but the brigade of General W. R. Cox ( which
was bringing up the rear) faced about, and with the steadiness
of veterans on parade, poured such a sudden and deadly volley
into the astonished Federals that they hastily retired in confusion.
This was the last volley fired at Appomattox, and the last ever
fired by the grand old Army of Northern Virginia."
SOME OFFICERS AND MEN OP THE FOURTH REGIMENT.
Colonel George B. Anderson has been spoken of. He was a
remarkable man. He had a handsome figure, was a fine horse-
man; a splendid tactician; had a clear, musical voice; a mild
blue-gray eye; a fine golden beard, long and flowing, and a very
commanding presence. His discipline was mild, but firm; and
his courage and patriotism of the very highest order. He was
a firm believer in God and a devout Churchman.
Lieutenant-Colonel John Augustus Young has also been
mentioned. He was a gentleman of the olden type; a Christian
of a high order, and a devoted patriot; kind and genial in his
nature; and a devoted Southern man. If he had been permitted
to remain with the regiment he would no doubt have proved
himself a worthy successor to the peerless Anderson.
Colonel Bryan Grimes was a soldier of a very high order.
His coolness and unwavering courage, as well as his judgment
Fourth Regiment. 267
and skill, commanded the confidence and respect of all who knew
him, and he was widely known. He was a most conscientious,
man, and a firm believer in the Gospel of Christ.
Colonel James H. Wood was cut down in the beginning of a
most promising career. He was a true and faithful soldier.
Cool, dashing and skillful. A man who feared God and eschewed
evil. His loss was most deeply felt in the regiment. He was
not quite twenty-four years old.
Major A. K. Simonton fell just in the beginning of the war.
He was a prominent figure in the regiment, and gave promise of
a most brilliant career. He was a soldier by nature, and a gen-
tleman in every sense of the word.
Lieutenant-Colonel David M. Carter was a prominent lawyer
before and after the war. He was a brave and sturdy soldier.
Being permanently disabled by a wound received at Seven Pines,
he was assigned to duty as Judge Advocate of the General Court-
martial, where he continued until the close of the war.
Captain F. Y. McNeely resigned early in the war on account
of bad health. He was killed by the enemy in the raid that
was made upon Salisbury at the close of the war.
Captain Jesse S. Barnes was killed at Seven Pines. He was
a splendid young officer of great promise; a most intelligent,
genial and promising man; a man of education, young and
talented ; a good soldier, and very highly esteemed in the regi-
ment.
Captain William T. Marsh was mortally wounded at Sharps-
burg. He was standing within two feet of the writer of this
sketch when stricken. He was a man of education, intelligence
and great force of character and a good soldier.
Major John W. Dunham was also a prominent character in
the Fourth Regiment. He was a gallant soldier, and a man of
unusual promise. His wound, received early in the war, dis-
abled him for life, and finally, after untold suffering, caused his
death.
Captain W. C. Coughenour was also a striking figure in the
Fourth Regiment. He entered the service as First Lieutenant of
268 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Company K, and was in all the engagements with the regiment
but one; and was twice wounded. He was Brigade Inspector
under Generals Eamseur and Cox, and in 1865 was made
Inspector-General of Dearing's Cavalry Brigade, afterwards Gen-
eral Roberts' Brigade. As good and true a man as ever lived.
Major J. F. Stansill did good service in the Fourth Regiment.
He was in most of the battles with the regiment, and was five
times wounded. He was a man of courage and always at the
post of duty.
Captain John B. Andrews was a man much beloved in the
Fourth Regiment. As gentle and modest as a woman, yet a brave
and faithful soldier. He was wounded at Cold Harbor,, from
which he died.
Captain John B. Forcum, of Company H, was one of the
faithful men of the regiment. Seldom sick or wounded, he was
always at his post, and was in command of the regiment at the
surrender.
Conspicuous among the officers of the regiment were the mem-
bers of the medical staff. Dr. J. K. King was a very striking
man in person, character and ability. He soon resigned on
account of bad health.
Chief Surgeon J. F. Shaffner, M. D., was a young man of
splendid ability ; a man of education and fine attainments, and
always faithful to the important task committed to him.
Assistant Surgeon J. M. Hadley, M. D., was also a man of
€ducation, talent and ability, ever working in harmony with
his chief.
Hospital Steward, Dr. J. W. Guffy, was also a most excellent
man, and as fuithful to his duty as a man could be. The patient
and untiring devotion of these gentlemen to the interest and
welfare of the men of the regiment won for them the undying
gratitude of us all.
Captain Thomas H. Blount and Captain John D. Hyman were
Quartermaster and Commissary of the regiment. Both were
men of education and ability. Though non-combatants, yet
Fourth Regiment. 269
both volunteered as aids to General Anderson. The former was
killed and the latter permanently disabled.
Captain W. G. Kelly commanded the regiment in the battle
of Fredericksburg, after which he resigned, and his brother. Cap-
tain S. A. Kelly, was appointed in his place. The latter bravely
led his company through many trying and bloody campaigns,
and was for some time in command of the regiment. He was
wounded and captured at Winchester in 1864.
Captain W. S. Barnes was for two years Adjutant of the regi-
ment. But when Colonel Grimes was promoted he was made
Captain and given a place on his staff, where he continued till the
close of the war. All know how true and faithful he was.
No better man ever wore the gray than Captain Marcus Hofflin.
He was transferred to light duty on account of lameness in his
feet, after he had seen much hard service and suffered very much.
Captains C. S. Alexander, W. G. Falls and William McRorie
were a splendid trio — school-mates of the writer. Alexander
and Falls fell at Chancellorsville and McRorieat Spottsylvania.
He fell within two feet of the writer, and expired without a
groan.
Lieutenant W. R. McNeely, who fell at the battle of Cedar
Creek, was one of Iredell county's heroes. He was senior officer
on the left of the regiment when he fell, and his loss was a serious
one to his command. He was a cool and skillful officer and a
good man.
Lieutenants James Rufus Reid and Joseph C. White were two
shining lights in the regiment. The former, though scarcely
seventeen years old, a man in character, and much beloved by
liis seniors and subordinates, fell a victim to disease early in the
war. The latter was killed at Seven Pines.
Lieutenants Watson, Cowan, Barber and Burke, of Company
B, were all good men, and did their duties well while in the war.
Lieutenant Thomas J. Brown was a good soldier. He was
transferred to the Forty-second Regiment and became its Ma-
jor. Lieutenants F. A. Carlton and A. S. Fraley were good
soldiers and an honor to the cause. W. K. Eliason was assigned
270 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
special duty and also J. A. Cowan. Captains W. A. Kerr and G.
A. Andrews were most excellent men; both were delicate m
constitution. The former resigned early in the war and the
latter was permanently disabled by a wound and died soon after
the war. Lieutenant J. Pink Cowan, of Company A, was a
brave and gallant soldier. He was killed at Chancellorsville.
Lieutenant Thomas L. Perry, of Company E, was a most
gallant soldier ; a man of education and intelligence, and faith-
ful to his duties. He was mortally wounded at Seven Pines.
Private William M. Durell, of Company K, was a good soldier.
He was a Northern man, but devoted to the cause of the South,
and fought through the war as a matter of principle.
Captain E. S. Marsh was a good soldier and a worthy suc-
cessor of his brother, the gallant and devoted soldier. Captain
William T. Marsh, who was mortally wounded at Sharpsburg.
He was appointed Major of the regiment, permanently disabled
by a wound, and put upon light duty.
Lieutenant Hamilton C. Long was wounded at Seven Pines,
and resigned.
Lieutenant J. W. Shinn was a talented and noble soldier, deli-
cate in health, but always at his post. He fell a prey to disease.
Lieutenant John Z. Dalton resigned early in the war.
There was no better soldier and no stronger character in the
regiment than Captain H. M. Warren, of Company F. W. O.
Wootten, of the same company, was a good soldier. Also, Cap-
tain T. M. Allen, who was wounded and captured. He was a
good soldier.
The writer remembers Lieutenants Creekman, Tuten, Bonner
and Styron, of Company A, as good representative men of their
section.
We were blessed in having two good and faithful men of God
as chaplains. The first was the Rev. William A. Wood. He
soon resigned on account of ill health, and was succeeded by the
Rev. Robert B. Anderson. Both were men of ability and did
good service in their holy calling.
The survivors of the Fourth Regiment will no doubt remem-
FOURTH REGIMENT.
1. W. S. Barnes, Ordnance Sergeant.
2. James Rufiis Reid, Ist Lieut., Co. C.
3. J. D. Wells, 1st Lieut., Co. F.
4. William Richmond McNeely, IstLieut.,
Co. A.
John A. Stikeleather, Ensign, Co. A.
John G. Young, Sergeant-Major.
Ben Allen Knox, Sergeant, Co. B.
A. Friedhiem, Corporal, Co. K.
Henry C. Severs, Private, Co. K.
Fourth Regiment. 271
ber James Stinson and Mr. Bagley, the two faithful couriers, who
were always conspicuous figures in time of battle.
John G. Young, the Sergeant-major of the regiment, was also
a well known character in the regiment. He volunteered in
1863, when about sixteen years of age; was for a time drill-mas-
ter, having been a cadet; was never sick^ wounded, nor absent
until the surrender. He asked leave to bring home the flag of
the Fourth Regiment, but was not allowed to do so. Henry
Severs was another brave Mecklenburg boy of about the same
age. He was with General George B. Anderson when he was
wounded, and assisted in helping that noble hero from the field
of Sharpsburg.
Private Augustus Byers, of Company A, was a representa-
tive Southern man. A man of education and considerable
means, he chose to serve as a soldier, and was killed near Chan-
cellorsville, the 19th of May, 1864. He was a splendid man
and a good soldier.
Many members of the regiment were transferred and given
offices in other commands. Among the number were the gallant
Lieutenant-Colonel, J. McLeod Turner, of the Seventh North
Carolina, and Major T. J. Brown, of the Forty-second North Caro-
lina, before mentioned. Colonel H. C. Jones, of the Fifty-seventh
Regiment, was at one time a member of Company K, though I
believe this was before the Fourth Regiment was organized.
Lieutenants Lee, Parker, Stith, Stevens and Thompson, all of
Company F, made good soldiers and received promotion.
Lieutenant T. M. C. Davidson, of Company A, was pro-
moted from the ranks. He was a good soldier.
Lieutenant Thomas W. Stephenson, of Company C, was a
fine specimen of a soldier. Always ready for duty, and never
flinching from danger. The same may be said of J. A. S. Feims-
ter and S. A. Claywell of the same company.
Captains Latham and Gallagher, of Company E, were good
soldiers. The former was retired on account of wounds received
in battle. The latter took his place in 1863, and served till the
end of the war. Lieutenants Litchfield and Williamson sustained
272 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
themselves well as soldiers, and were highly esteemed in the
regiment. Lieutenant Litchfield was killed in 1864, at or near
Cold Harbor.
Captain I. H. Carter, of Company E, was a brave soldier.
He was killed at Fredricksburg in 1863. Lieutenant Guffy, of
Company G, was a first-rate man. Lieutenants Smith, Cain,
Smoot and Jones, of the same company, all stood well.
Lieutenant Edward Tripp, of Company E, was a brave and
faithful soldier, who had command of the company for quite a
while, and was wounded and captured in 1864.
Lieutenants Kennedy, Summers and Stockton, of Company
H, were good representative men of Iredell county. Lieuten-
ant Summers was badly wounded at Chancellorsville while act-
ing as Adjutant of the regiment, and forced to accept light duty
during the balance of the war. Weaver, of the same company,
died a glorious death at Sharpsburg, as has been told, and Stock-
ton at Gettysburg.
Lieutenant A. N. Wiseman, of Company K, was a model
soldier. As Orderly Sergeant of his company he had no superior,
and as a commissioned officer he was all that could be desired.
He received a mortal wound at Winchester in 1864. Cap-
tain C. A. Hunt, of Lexington, was with him in his last
moments.
Captain M. L. Bean, also of Company K, was a true and gal-
lant officer. He and A. C. Carter, of Company K, volunteered
to make a bold reconnaissance at Gettysburg to ascertain the
enemy's position, and saved the regiment from what might have
been a fatal surprise, such as befell one of our brigades the same
day.
Lieutenant E. J. Redding, of Company E, a bold and gallant
youth, fell at the post of duty in the bloody conflict at Seven
Pines.
Ben Allen Knox, Sergeant in Company B, was a gallant
soldier, serving throughout the war with courage and fidelity.
In looking over the list of officers and men of the grand old
regiment, the writer is reminded that it would take a volume to
Fourth ' Eegimbnt. 273
mention what might be said of hundreds whose names I would be
happy to mention, who are equally as deserving as those I have
named. A few have been selected here and there as represen-
tative men among the others. A list of the privates if it could
be printed with this sketch would be a memorial of as brave and
true men as the world has ever known.
The survivors of the Fourth Regiment will no doubt remem-
ber three figures that would not be out of place in a complete
picture of the regiment, and will, therefore, permit me to men-
tion Colonel Grimes' negro boy, Polk, Captain Carter's man,
Jim, and the writer's boy, Gus : Polk, the typical mulatto, Gus,
the ignorant, but loyal African, and Jim, the devoted and
faithful slave.
SOME INCIDENTS OF THE WAR.
It is a grateful privilege to mention the great kindness bestowed
upon the members of the Fourth Regiment, as well as upon
the Confederate soldiers generally, by the people of Virginia
during the war. Their hospitality and kindness were unceasing
and almost unbounded. Conspicuous among those with whom
we came in contact was Mr. George S. Palmer, of Richmond.
His name is a synonym for all that is generous, kind and
hospitable. The writer was a partaker of his kindness, and that
of his noble wife and daughters on many occasions — once when
sick, and three times when wounded. The writer also remem-
bers one occasion when there were some eighteen wounded offi-
cers of the Fourth Regiment in the house of Mr. Palmer. This
was just after the battle of Seven Pines. He was a man ot
ample means, his heart and soul were in the cause of the
South, and it was his delight to spend and be spent for that
cause.
On the 20th of May, 1864, the writer having been wounded
the day before, was placed in an ambulance with Colonel F. M.
Parker, of the Thirtieth Regiment, a most gallant and faithful
soldier, who also had been wounded and was very weak. Cap-
tain Fred. Philips, since Judge Philips, of Tarboro, had
18
274 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
charge of the wagon train, and took the best of care of us as we
were conveyed towards Richmond with the other wounded men.
The day was hot and we were parched with fever and thirst;
but he supplied us from time to time with refreshing draughts
of buttermilk and ice which the good people of the country gave
him. It was served in a horse-bucket; but never was sweeter
or more refreshing draughts served, nor men more grateful than
we were.
In one of the iights in the Valley campaign of 1864, private
McCanless, a gallant member of Company K, was captured by
a Federal soldier, who was marching him through the woods,
when they came upon another man of the same company, who
was separated from his command, and making his way back as
fast as he could run. "Halt!" shouted the Federalist; but
instead of halting the man increased his speed. "Halt!! Halt!!!"
shouted the Union soldier again, and bang went his gun. But
his aim was bad, and the man escaped. "Now," said McCan-
less, " you may help yourself; I, too, am going back," and with
that he departed through the woods, leaving his captor standing
with his empty gun in his hand, and made his escape.
On the 19th of May, 1864, as we were preparing to attack the
enemy's flank and rear. General Ramseur sent Captain Jenkins,
of the Fourteenth Regiment, to capture what was supposed to
be a squad of pickets. The Captain divided his squad of sharp-
shooters in order to make a dash from opposite sides upon an old
house where the supposed pickets were thought to be. At the
signal agreed upon the men rushed upon the house, but instead
of a few pickets a whole regiment of Federals rose up and fired
upon the Captain's little band. The Captain, of course, beat a
hasty retreat, and joined the command; and soon the whole
line was engaged. General Ewell had his horse killed in this
engagement. It fell on the General's wooden leg, pinning him
to the ground. G. D. Snuggs, of Company K, and Sergeant
Barnett, of Company H, assisted in extricating the General from
his difficulty. As soon as he was relieved he called, out: "Men,
are we driving them? Are we driving them?"
FoxTETH Eegiment. 275
In passing through Lexington, Va., on the 21st of June, 1864,
General Rodes directed Colonel Wood, of the Fourth Regiment,
to lead the column with his regimental band playing a funeral
march as they passed by the grave of Stonewall Jackson. It
was a very impressive scene as the brave old veterans of so many
battles filed slowly and sadly by the last resting-place of their
departed hero.
On the retreat from Fisher's Hill, the 22d of September, 1864,
where Ewell's forces were badly demoralized, and the loss of the
whole command seemed imminent. General Ramseur called on
his old brigade to hold the enemy in check and protect the
retreating Confederates. General Cox, who was in command,
did this in splendid style, held the enemy in check until night,
and then continued the retreat up the Valley. This retreat
was made in two lines of battle, parallel with each other,
some half mile apart, in which order General Ewell moved his
entire corps all the next day, stopping occasionally to offer bat-
tle when the enemy approached too near.
On the 9th of April, General Grimes had been fighting the
enemy with his division up to the very hour of the surrender, and
some say until it had actually taken place j and the Fourth and
Fourteienth Regiments were the last of his division that were
engaged, so the men of these regiments say.
At Gettysburg, when we started to make the night attack,
Colonel Grimes, who could not see very well at night, sent for
Corporal Friedheim, of Company K, to guide him and be with
him in that trying ordeal. He knew full well that he could
trust this man ; for there was no braver or truer soldier in the
army than A. Friedheim.
General Grimes told the writer of one of his men who, on
the 9th, hearing something said about General Lee's surrender,
came to him and asked if the report was true. "Yes," said the
General, "it is, I am sorry to say, too true." Whereupon the
poor fellow burst into tears, and cried out: "Blow, Gabriel,
blow, I do not want to live another day."
Another one, a member of Company K, Fourth Eegiment,
276 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
whose name I cannot remember, set hia gun down at the sur-
render with a sigh, saying: "Sit there, Betsy, you've made many
of them bite the dust."
At Seven Pines the writer was shot through the thigh. While
lying on the field a Federal soldier came along with his gun.
As he approached near where the writer lay he covered him with
his pistol and ordered him to halt, throw down his gun and
come to him. The soldier obeyed, and was made to assist him
from the field. In the same battle the writer saw a Confederate
soldier get into a panic and run with all his might to the rear,
but recovering his self-possession, he returned to the line as
i%pidly as he had fled, and went on through the battle; he was never
known to flinch after this, and was, after going through many bat-
tles, killed in an act of conspicuous bravery. He did not know
that' the writer saw him, nor was he ever told that any one saw'
him.
In the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, on the 12th of
May, 1864, private Thomas Sprinkle, of Company H, was
detailed to furnish the men with ammunition during the fight.
This was a peculiarly dangerous duty at any time, but never
more so than in this fight, as the approach to the line from the
rear was through a perfect storm of bullets aimed at the men
behind the fortifications. But for hours the brave boy with
ruddy, beardless face, continued to bring the needed supplies,
but late in the afternoon he failed to reach the line, and was
never seen again. Walker Anderson, the Ordnance Officer
of the brigade, was killed the same day. It was at this battle
that several trees, from twelve to fourteen 'inches in diameter,
were shot until they fell, cut down with minnie-balls. They
stood at the angle of the breastworks, and were in full range of
the enemy's fire from front and both flanks.
At Gettysburg, as we entered the town after the enemy retired
from our front, Lieutenant Harney, of the Fourteenth Regiment,
was carried to the rear mortally wounded. Passing within a few
feet of the writer, he displayed a Union flag which he had cap-
tul-ed on the heights, where he had gone with the sharp-shooters.
Fourth Regiment. 277
He entreated that the troops would advance and capture the
heights, as the enemy was in utter confusion and helpless. His
dying request was that the banner should be sent to President
Davis. Lieutenant Harney was a splendid soldier, had seen ser-
vice in the war with Mexico, and was devoted to the cause of
the South.
In the heavy skirmish which took place near Spottsylvania
Court House on the 8th of May, 1864, the regiment advanced upon
the enemy about sundown and threw them into complete disorder.
We pushed on until dark, when we were compelled to halt, as we
could not distinguish friends from foes. Private Heilig, of
Company K, captured a Federal colonel and brought him out.
The colonel showed fight, but was induced to submit. Colonel
Grimes gave Heilig the colonel's pistol as a reward for his cour-
age. Poor fellow, he was not permitted to enjoy his prize "but
a little while, as he was killed on the 12th.
When the enemy surprised and broke the line of General
Doles on our right on the 10th of May, 1864, Major Hardaway,
of Alabama, stood his ground, serving one of his guns himself
until the enemy reached the breastworks. One of them mounted
the gun the Major was serving, and waved his hat with a
triumphant shout; but the Major knocked him off with his
sword and sullenly retired with his face to the foe, until Battle's
Alabamians and the Fourth North Carolina came to the rescue.
He went back with the infantry and was the first to reach the
line, and opened fire on the retreating foe. The writer saw him
a few minutes later, and his hat and clothes were riddled with
bullets. He was a grand man.
A notable experience with the regiment was the march from
Port E,oyal to Fredericksburg just before the battle in Decem-
ber, 1862. The weather was very cold, snow was on the ground
and the roads one continuous slush from six to twelve inches
deep, and blocked with wagons and artillery. The night was
pitch-dark, there being neither moon nor stars, and the march
continued all night long. The men were compelled to remain
on their feet most of the time, as there were few places to rest
278 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-'65
upon for the mud; sometimes marching a few rods, or a few
hundred yards, and then waiting fifteen, twenty or thirty minutes
on account of the blocking of the roads by the stalling of teams
and wagons in front.
During the skirmish on the 11th of May, 1864, near Spottsyl-
vania Court House, Sergeant Houlshouser, of Company K, was
sitting with his back against a good sized tree, our part of the
line not being then engaged, whfen a cannon-ball struck the
opposite side of the tree, killing him instantly by the shock.
On the 5th of May, 1864, as General Rodes' Division was
moving in line of battle so near the enemy as at one time to com-
pel Ramseur's Brigade to take position in rear of the main line
to avoid exposure to the enemy's fire. General Ramseur re-
monstrated with General Rodes on account of being placed in
the rear. General Rodes told him in a jocular way that if he
" would move those Yankees away from there he could place
his brigade in line." Whereupon General Ramseur deployed his
men and made a rush through the woods, firing and yelling, and
soon cleared the woods of the enemy's sharp-shooters; when he
put his brigade in position on the left. It should be borne in
mind, however, that the enemy had all they could attend to in
another part of the field at that time.
In the winter of 1863 many of the men had no shoes and
were suffering much from cold as the troops were on the march.
General Hill ordered that every man who had no shoes should
be provided with raw hide moccasins. Some of the men com-
plied with the order, but soon found they were of no use for when
the sun came out they became too hard, and when the ground was
wet they could not keep them on their feet.
When James Bowers, of Company K, fell at Seven Pines
with the flag of the regiment in his hand, he said to a comrade:
"Tell Mr. Bruner (the man with whom he had lived) that I
died with my face to the enemy."
THE LAST SCENE OF THE WAR.
The Fourth Regiment was on the right of the brigade at
Appomattox on the 9th of April, 1865, and was the first in the
Fourth Regiment. 279
brigade to stack arms. When this was done General Grimes
called them to " attention " for the last time, and had them to
file past him in order that he might shake hands with each man,
and as he did so, with streaming eyes and faltering voice, he
said: "Go home, boys, and act like men, as you have always
done during the war."
CONCLUSION.
I have endeavored to give a faithful sketch of this grand body
of men; but I am painfully aware of having failed to do the
subject justice. Thirty-five years of labor and toil have effaced
many important incidents from a mind constantly crowded with
the cares and duties of official and ministerial life. Besides, I
have been compelled to write in the midst of many pressing cares
and labors, and to procure my facts from other sources of infor-
mation than my own, not having kept a record of the events as
they occurred. And here I wish to acknowledge my deep indebt-
edness to Captain John A. Stikeleather, the Rev. W. A. Wood,
D. D., and Mr. Pulaski Cowper in the letters of General Grimes,
edited by him ; to Mr. Nathanal Raymer, a member of the band
of the Fourth Regiment, who sent me his letters written during
the war under the signature of "Nat," in The Statesville Ameri-
can; for the notes kept by Dr. Shinn, of Company B, and the
note-book of Mr. E. B. Stinson of the band of the Fourth
Regiment. Also, for many items of interest by Mr. G. D.
Snuggs, a gallant member of the Fourth Regiment, and a
splendid member of the corps of sharp-shooters. And last, but
by no means least, for very valuable information furnished by
Captain W. C. Coughenour, Dr. J. F. Shaffner and Captain M.
L. Bean. I have also received valuable items from Captain H.
M. Warren and Sergeant-major John Graham Young, R. O.
Leinster, Dr. J. C. Hadley, Mr. Henry C. Severs, Captain S. A.
Kelley, Major Stansill and others, for all of which I am very
grateful.
In looking over the history of the Fourth Regiment the writer
is reminded of many facts that throw light upon the history and
character of the organization. A marked characteristic of our men
280 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
was their sobriety and piety. The writer does not recall a half dozen
instances of drunkenness in the regiment during the war, and
but few of gross profanity or immorality. They were a pious and
orderly set of men. The camps often resounded with hymns and
songs. Among the latter "Annie Laurie " was a great favorite; also
" Dixie," and " My Old Cabin Home." Prayers were conducted in
many of the tents, and religious services were well attended. Pro-
fanity amongst the officers was seldom heard. Colonel Anderson's
example and iniluence in this respect was very marked ; also
that of Lieutenant-Colonel Young, and Major Grimes, though
of a quick and fiery temper, was careful never to take the
Holy Name in vain. They were all God-fearing men, and not
given to loose talking nor drink. The writer never heard any
conversation at headquarters that would have offended the most
modest and religious feelings. The company officers were gener-
ally of high moral character, and many of them were Chris-
tian men whose influence was felt among their rank and file. In
fact they only represented the men of the ranks, from whence
they had been taken. E. A. Osborne.
Charlotte, N. C,
April 9, 1900.
FIFTH REGIMENT.
1. Duncan K. McRae, Colonel. 3. T. M. Garrett, Colonel,
2. Jolin W. Lea, Colonel. 4. P. J, Sinclair, Lieut.-Colonel.
5. John C. Badham, Lieut.-Colonel.
FIFTH REGIMENT.
By MAJ. JAMES C. MacRAE AND SERGT.-MAJ. C. M. BUSBEE.
This was oue of the tea regiments organized under the act of
the General, Assembly of North Carolina, May 8th, 1861, en-
titled: "An Act to Eaise Ten Thousand State Troops"; and it
is to be distinguished from the Fifth Volunteers, afterwards
called the Fifteenth North Carolina Regiment.
It was formed in camp of instruction at Halifax in July, 1861,
by the assignment to it of the following named field officers:
Duncan K. MacRae, Colonel; Joseph P. Jones, Lieutenant-
Colonel; John C. Badham, Major; Lieutenant Isaac A. Jones,
of Company H, Acting Adjutant; Captain John Kirkland,
Acting Quartermaster; Captain James M. Jones, Acting Com-
missary-Sergeant; Dr. James A. MacRae, Surgeon; Dr. John
K. Ruffin, Assistant Surgeon.
It was composed of:
Company A, from Cumberland, Captain P. J. Sinclair.
Company B, from Gates, Captain W. J. Hill.
Company C, from Johnston, Captain E. D. Sneed.
Company D, from Craven, Captain Jacob Brookfield.
Company E, from Rowan, Captain Samuel Reaves.
Company F, from Bertie, Captain Thomas M. Garrett.
Company G, from Wilson, Captain N. A. H. Goddin.
Company H, from Gates, Captain S. B. Douge.
Company I, from Caswell, Captain John W. Lea.
Company K, from Rowan, Captain Ham. C Jones.
While these companies are stated to be from certain counties,
they were enlisted in large numbers from other counties; for
instance, about one hundred and fifty men of this regiment were
282 " North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
from Chatham; and later, the depleted ranks were filled with
conscripts from different parts of the State.
The regiment reached Manassas on July 19th, 1861, and was
attached to the brigade of General Longstreet, and participated
in the battle of the 21st, its position being on the extreme right;
it was not engaged in the most serious conflict of that day,
although being exposed to the enemy's fire, it lost several men.
It was in the advance upon the retreat of the Federal army,
which it assisted in driving into Washington.
During the winter of 1861-62, having been .assigned to
Early's Brigade, it was stationed at Union Mills on the Orange
& Alexandria Eailroad, engaged in outpost and picket duty in
front of the Confederate lines. At one time it held position on
Mason Hill in sight of the Capitol at Washington, and was daily
engaged with the enemy's skirmishers. In the intervals of its
outpost duty it was thoroughly drilled in preparation for the
arduous work in store for it in the near future.
During this winter, Lieutenant-Colonel Jones, having been
assigned to other duty, resigned his position in the regiment;
Major John C. Badham was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel and
Captain Peter J. Sinclair, of Company A, was promoted to
Major; Lieutenant James C. MacRae, of Company D, was made
Adjutant; Captains Sneed and Goddin resigned and Lieutenants
Mullins and Thompson were made Captains in their stead of
Companies C and G. Dr. MacRae resigned and Dr. Ruffin was
transferred to another command, and Dr. Wingfield became
Surgeon of the regiment.
On the change of front to meet the advance of McCIellan
upon Richmond, Early's Brigade was among the first to reach
General Magruder on the Peninsular. It w^s immediately put
in position in the defensive works near Yorktown, and remained
in the trenches, constantly on duty, until the evacuation of York-
town on May 3, 1862, being the last of the Confederate troops
to leave the works. Passing from the rearguard, it marched up
the Williamsburg road, and on the night of May 4, 1862,
bivouacked in the field beyond Williamsburg, under orders to
Fifth Regiment. 283
take up its line of march at daybreak in the direction of the
Chickahominy.
Its part in the affair at Williamsburg deserves more than
casual mention. Owing to the determined pressure of the
Federals upon the rearguard of the Confederates, Early's Brigade
was counter-marched into Williamsburg, where it rested in the
campus of old William and Mary College during the morning,
awaiting orders. The battle on the right of the Confederates,
below Williamsburg, was very severe during the day, and the
enemy was not only held in check but driven back with great
slaughter. In the afternoon it was found that the Federal troops
had taken possession of an old abandoned redoubt on the extreme
left, and somewhat in advance of the other works, which had
been erected for the defense of Williamsburg, and was seriously
annoying our troops by an enfilading fire from its batteries.
Early's and Rodes' Brigades, under command of Major-General
D. H. Hill, were sent to the left of the Confederate line with
orders to retake this redoubt and silence its batteries. Under the
immediate direction of General Hill, four regiments of Early's
Brigade were marched to the left and disencumbered of all
impedimenta in the open ground, which was separated from this
redoubt by thick woods. Of the four regiments to compose the
attacking party the Twenty-fourth Virginia, Colonel Terry,
led by General Early in person, was on the left and covered by
woods, immediately opposite the redoubt. The Fifth North
Carolina was on the right and opposite an open field about eight
hundred yards from the redoubt to be attacked. At the word of
command the brigade in line of battle passed into the intervening
woods, from which this regiment soon emerged in a field of heavy
plowed ground, in full view of the enemy, who immediately
opened upon it with artillery. In the face of apparent destruc-
tion, but in obedience to direct orders from the Major-General
commanding, this regiment began the advance. It was at once
necessary to change front forward on the left company, and the
movement was made with precision under a heavy artillery fire.
On account of the continued advance of the left company and
284 North Caeolina Tkoops, 1861-'65.
the heavy condition of the soil the right of the line, though at
a double-quick, was delayed in reaching its alignment; the left
companies were halted to give time for the balance of the regi-
ment to reach the line, when the whole command halted, dressed
upon the left, and at the word of command pressed forward to
the attack, marching as on dress-parade, without firing a gun.
In front of the redoubt were five regiments of infantry, sup-
porting a battery of ten pieces of artillery, with clouds of
skirmishers in their advance. The charge of the Fifth North
Carolina on this occasion has rarely been surpassed in the history
of war for its heroism and gallantry. Pressing on from the first
in the face of the battery, entering into the plunging fire of the
infantry, wading into a storm of balls, which first struck the
men in the feet and rose upon their nearer approach, it steadily
pressed on. The Twenty-fourth Virginia had now emerged
from the woods at a point on the left and nearer the enemy,
driving the skirmishers before it. From the thickness of the
woods in their front, the center regiments not having come up,
the Fifth Regiment obliqued to the left to touch its comrade,
the Twenty-fourth Virginia, when all pressed forward, driving
the enemy before them. Not until within close range was the
command "Commence firing" given, when it began to fire and
load as it advanced. The enemy's skirmishers retired, the battery
retreated into the redoubt, with the infantry behind it, and
opened fire again from the intrenchments.
Instances of individual heroism would fill a volume. The
members of the color-guard were shot down one by one, and as
each man fell the battle flag was passed to the successor. When
the last sergeant fell. Captain Benjamin Robinson, of Company
A, took it and bore it at the head of his company until the staff
was shot to pieces. The officers and men were falling rapidly
under the withering fire of grape and canister and musketry.
Lieutenant-Colonel Badham was shot in the forehead and fell
dead ; Major Sinclair's horse was killed and he was disabled ;
Captain Mullins, of Company C, received his mortal wound and
fell upon the field; Captains Garrett and Lea and Jones were
Fifth Regiment. 285
all shot down, as were many of the subalterns, among them
Lieutenant Thomas Snow, of Halifax (who was killed far in
advance of his company, cheering on his men); Lieutenants
Boswell, of Company A; Clark, of Company G; Hays of Com-
pany F.
In fifty yards of the redoubt this regiment, or what was left
of it, reached a small fence and ditch with a slight embankment
next to the enemy. Here it took cover, continuing to fire, the
Twenty-fourth Virginia on its left. Victory was in its grasp,
the enemy had been driven to his intrenchment; one fresh regi-
ment was all that was needed to go over the works, but none
ever came; instead thereof an order to retreat. Too few in
number to continue the attack (at the beginning of the fight
these two regiments did not number a thousand men), in obedi-
ence to orders, the regiment retired to the cover of the woods on
its left, leaving a large majority of the officers and men dead
and wounded on the field.
Lieutenant-Colonel Badham was one of the first men of the
State, a lawyer by profession and a political leader. Had he
lived he would have had all its honors.
It would extend this sketch too much to mention the gallant
boys who here, at the threshold of the conflict, laid down their
lives. Four hundred and fifteen men were counted as they
went into action ; seventy-five answered to the roll-call in the
morning, and nearly all of the missing were either killed or
wounded. General Hancock, who commanded the Federals in
their front, said of the Fifth North Carolina and Twenty-fourth
Virginia: "They should have immortality inscribed on their
banners."
Next morning the Confederate army resumed its march, with-
out further opposition, to the Chickahominy, where was witnessed
an event never before known in war — the election of officers for
all the volunteer regiments from North Carolina and a conse-
quent reorganization, in face of the enemy.
General Early having been seriously wounded while leading
this regiment, the command of the brigade devolved upon Colo-
286 North uaeolina Troops, 1861-65.
nel MacRae, whose feeble physical frame soon succumbed to
severe illness. General, Samuel Garland took command, Major
Sinclair, now promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, commanding the
regiment. The depleted ranks soon began to fill up with con-
valescents returned from the hospitals, for there had been much
sickness engendered by the exposure in the trenches at York-
town. By the battle at Seven Pines there were more than two
hundred men for duty. Lieutenant MacRae had then been pro-
moted to Captain and Acting Adjutant-General, and Lieutenant
F. J. Haywood became Adjutant. In this battle Colonel Mac-
Rae endeavored to take command, but from sheer weakness was
unable to do so. Under Lieutenant-Colonel Sinclair the regi-
ment, with others of Garland's Brigade and Hill's Division,
drove the enemy from its position, but again at serious loss in
officers and men. One of the killed was Lieutenant Isaac A.
Jones, of Company H, who for a time acted as Ajutant. Young,
enthusiastic, brave, he took his place among the immortals in
the hour of victory.
Through all the series of battles around Richmond this regi-
ment followed the fortunes of Garland's Brigade, with but a
handful left at Malvern Hill. During that very brilliant series
of movements, ending in the utter defeat of Pope by Jackson at
Second Manassas, the division of D. H. Hill remained near
Richmond for its protection, in which time it again replenished
its ranks with the return of those who had recovered from their
wounds and sickness and the assignment of conscripts, many of
whom, though late in joining the army, were first-rate material
and made good soldiers. Lieutenant F. J. Haywood was made
Ordnance Officer on General Garland's staff.
In September, 1862, the regiment marched into Maryland,
stood with Hill in that grand stand at South Mountain which
saved the army, divided as it was in the face of vastly superior
forces, the other half assigned to capture Harper's Ferry, and re-
combined to beat double its number at Sharpsburg. In these
magnificent battles it lost heavily again. Brave Garland fell. Col-
onel MacRae taking command, was himself disabled and soon after
Fifth Regiment. 287
compelled by feeble health to leave the army. General Iverson be-
came brigade commander, and Captain Thomas M. Garrett suc-
ceeded to the colonelcy. The resignation of Lieutenant-Colonel
Sinclair soon followed; Captain John W. Lea was made Lieuten-
ant-Colonel and Captain W. J. Hill Major; Lieutenant Fab. J.
Haywood, who had served upon the staff of General Garland,
became again Adjutant of the regiment. It was now attached to
Bodes' Division, Ewell's Corps, Array of Northern Virginia.
Returning to Virginia, there was to this regiment and brigade
a season of comparative rest in the vicinity of Winchester, and
later on the Opequon, but this period of inactivity was short,
for in December, 1862, after rapid marching, it reached its place
in front of Fredericksburg to meet the advance of Hooker.
Though engaged in the battle of Fredericksburg, its losses were
small, the regiment and brigade not being greatly exposed. But
at Chancellorsville it bore a distinguished part, losing heavily
again in officers and men. All of its field oflBcers were wounded,
and the command of the regiment devolved upon that brave and
capable officer. Captain Speight B. West, under whom it served
through the campaign which led to Gettysburg, where it suf-
fered severely on the first day's fight, its four captains present —
West, Robinson, Taylor and Jordan — all being wounded, though
two of them, Robinson and Jordan, reported for duty again the
next day. It lay, unable to strike a blow, under a tremendous
fire of artillery and sharp-shooters, during the fatal battle of the
third day at Gettysburg. Its loss at Gettysburg is reported in
the "Records of the Rebellion" at thirty-one killed and one
hundred and twelve wounded. The list of casualties sent with
General Iverson's report cannot be found. A large majority of
the officers were killed or wounded. Adjutant Haywood was
left upon the field severely wounded. From Gettysburg, Iver-
son's Brigade proceeded by forced march to Hagerstown, where
it had a brilliant encounter with the enemy's cavalry, driving
them out of the town. On the return to Virginia it was engag-
ed in all those maneuvers on the Rapidan and Rappahannock
which occupied the fall of 1863.
288 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
In October, at Bristoe Station, under Lieutenant-Colonel Lea,
Colonel Garrett commanding the brigade, it crossed Raccoon
Ford and charged the enemy's battery near Stevensburg, driving
him across the Rapidan. In the report of this engagement,
Captain T. N. Jordan, of Company F; Lieutenant C. E. C. Rid-
dick, commanding Company B, and Corporal A. Overton, of
Company F, are mentioned as having exhibited great courage
and daring. Colonel Garrett's good conduct was especially
mentioned by General Fitzhugh Lee.
At Mine Run, in November, Captain Benjamin Robinson,
Company A, with two corps of sharp-shooters, about seventy-
five strong, drove in the One Hundred and Fifteenth Massa-
chusetts Regiment, killing and capturing a number of them,
including the lieutenant-colonel. Captain Robinson was specially
mentioned by General Johnson and General Rodes, and recom-
mended for promotion.
The regiment remained in winter quarters on the Rapidan
during the winter, and in the early spring was sent to Taylors-
ville, a station on the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac
Railroad, about twenty miles from Richmond, to rest and
recuperate ; but it went to the front at the opening of the cam-
paign in the early days of May, 1864, with full ranks, its field
officers all present, and the spirits of the veteran soldiers good.
By forced marches (going in one day thirty-three miles) it
went from Taylorsville to the Wilderness, reaching the latter on
the afternoon of the last day of the battle, and immediately
went into action as a part of the force with which General Gor-
don turned the right flank of the Federal army. This engage-
ment first brought Gordon before the public eye as a soldier of
eminent capacity. The regiment greatly distinguished itself in
this fight and in the quickly following battle of Spottsylvania.
On the 10th of May the brigade was sent out on a reconnaissance
on the right of the army, where it became engaged with Burn-
side's Corps, and after a stubborn fight was compelled to retire.
In this engagement Captain Robinson and also Captain Davis
were both seriously wounded. On the 11th, with Daniel's
FIFTH EBGIMENT.
1. Eayner Erookfleld, Captain, Co. C. 3. Jacob Brookfleld, Captain, Co. D.
2. L. M. Davis, Captain, Co. K. 4. F. J. Haywood, Jr., Adjutant.
5. Jos. G. Hayes, 1st Lieut., Co. F.
Fifth Eegiment. 289
Brigade, it recaptured a battery which had been taken by a
division of Federals and drove back the Federal troops with
great slaughter. In this fight there was a good deal of bayonet
fighting, and Colonel Garrett was conspicuous for his bravery.
On the 12th came the great battle of Spottsylvania. In the
early morning, before daylight, the brigade was awakened by
sharp firiug and, hurrying to the front, found that the entire
division of General Edward Johnson had been captured, and
that the brigade was expected to fill the gap and arrest the
onward assault of the enemy, which was in great force, being
the corps of General Hancock. This was in the "angle" or
" horse-shoe," as it has been called from its shape, a place made
memorable by the fierceness of the conflict which raged there
all the day. Into the breach the brigade went, the morning fog
being so thick that at ten paces one could not distinguish friend
from foe, and was subjected to an enfilading fire from right and
left. In less than fifteen minutes after going into action five
officers were killed, including Colonel Garrett, shot through the
head, and Lieutenant Edward Smedes, a gallant young officer
from Raleigh. Colonel Garrett was a gallant soldier and had
won for himself an enviable reputation for conspicuous personal
courage and capacity for commanding troops. Many others
were killed and many captured, among the latter being Lieu-
tenant Anderson, of Fayetteville, and Sergeant-major Busbee,
of Raleigh. During the day's battle the regiment bore a con-
spicuous part and maintained its reputation as the "Bloody
Fifth." It carried into the fight about four hundred and fifty,
and at the evening roll-call only forty-two answered. It is said
that in this battle and in the "horse-shoe" the fiercest musketry
fighting of the war occurred. In the War Department at Wash-
ington, among the relics, is a section of the trunk of a whiteoak
tree which was cut down in this fight at the "angle" by minie-
balls alone.
Lieutenant-Colonel John W. Lea now became Colonel of the
Fifth. Major Hill was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and Captain
J. M. Taylor acting as Major, and as part of Johnston's Brigade,
19
290 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Ramseur's and then Pegram's Division, Ewell's Corps, it went
to the Valley to its old commander. Early, made the brilliant
advance movement across the Potomac, was with Gordon when
he drove Lew Wallace from Monocacy into Baltimore, and for a
second time stood in sight of the Capitol at Washington; but
closer approach was not written in the book of Fate, and Early
turned back into Virginia. Then began the series of reverses, cul-
minating at Fisher's Hill, which called forth all the manhood of
Johnston and his North Carolinians, whose "thin gray line," as
the rearguard of Early's army, held Sheridan in check.
In November, 1864, Colonel Lea was in command of the
brigade and Captain Edward M. Duguid of the regiment. The
winter of 1864-'65 was spent on the banks of the Staunton
River, the regiment being scattered along that stream to guard
the ferries in order to prevent the passage of deserters from Lee's
army. Toward the last of March it was called back to its place
at the front, and took position in the trenches at Petersburg, its
officers and men living in holes in the ground just in rear of the
trenches which they were guarding. There, in repelling attacks
and in sorties from the works, it filled the full measure of its
duty. ■ In the battle of Fort Steadman it bore a gallant part.
When Petersburg was evacuated the regiment constituted part
of the rearguard, and on that sad retreating march from Peters-
burg to Appomattox, when unceasing fighting by day and hurried
marching by night fell to the lot of those brave men who consti-
tuted the shattered remnant of the Army of Northern Virginia, it
bore its full share of the conflicts and held its honorable record
to the bitter end. Examples of sublime personal courage were
of daily occurrence, notable among them being Lieutenant Wal-
ter R. Moore, Jr., commanding the sharp-shooters, who was
killed in a skirmish near the town of Farmville. At Appo-
mattox it marched through the little town under the fire of a
Federal battery and took its place in line of battle, formed
beyond the town, to charge the Federal batteries which were
opening the battle to the left and front. Awaiting the order to
advance, the firing suddenly ceased and down the road came a
Fifth Regiment. 291
white flag in charge of a Federal oflBcer, soon known to be Gen-
eral Custer. The Army of Northern Virginia had surrendered !
The history of the Fifth North Carolina Regiment is the
history of the Army of Northern Virginia. It joined this
army at First Manassas and nev^er left it until "bugles sang
truce" and the last charge was arrested at Appomattox, April
9th, 1865. Its history is written in the blood of its officers and
men, the greater part of whom sleep beneath the soil of Virginia,
Maryland and Pennsylvania. Among all the heroic commands
forming the army under Lee, no regiment has a more honorable
record, and at the end, amid the Appomattox hills, a few worn
men, doing their duty to the last, were all that was left of the
old Fifth North Carolina, the regiment which had so early earned
and so long maintained a title to immortality.
Here are the names of those who laid down their arms with
Lee: John W. Lea, Colonel, commanding the brigade; J. M.
Taylor, Captain Company G, commanding the regiment; George
T. Parker, Captain Company H; M. T. Hunt, First Lieuten-
ant Company E; James W. Lea, Second Lieutenant Company
I ; J. N. Pearson, Surgeon ; H. W. Williams, Assistant Surgeon ;
Sergeant-major C. M. Busbee, Musician J. J. Johnston.
Company A — Privates Daniel Albertini, David Ayres, Abram
Holder, Jesse Johnston, Retus Jones, William Sanders, Andrew
Watson.
Company B — Sergeant Henry Clay Williams, Private Wil-
liam Smith.
Company C — Sergeant Jesse K. Whitley, Corporal K. J.
Ballard, Privates J. W. Barber, Augustus Corbit, Nasoow
Creech, Josiah Dean, Jonas Faulk, J. B. Honeycutt (Hunnicutt),
J. W. Hines, J. A. Lee, Monroe Lee, Whitley Messer, Abram
O'Neal, Ransom Penny, Thomas H. Sasser, W. H. Smith, W.
R. Strickland, Samuel Strickland.
Company D — First Sergeant R. L. Willis, Carporal J. R.
Benson, Corporal Robert Johnston, Privates J. A. Douglas,
William Young, M. A. Kifenic, J. W. Guilford.
Company E — Sergeant W. J. Bond, Corporal G. W. Long,
292 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Corporal John Soott, Privates John Barringer, E. D. Council,
Stephen Daves, Jacob Hartman, Benjamin Herndon, D. A.
Holt, J. W McCenney, W. L. Parker, Frank Parnell, Jacob
Pense, William Williams.
Company F — Privates W. H. Eady, Preston Lane, Thomas
Perry, J. C. Treece.
Company G — Privates W. J. Barringer, A. T. Davis, J. T.
Lamb, Luther Lentz, J. T. Manning, P. J. Pless, W. A. Wil-
liams.
Company H — Privates John D. Brice, Elbert Cross, James
D. Johnson, Tobias Lentz, Nathan Morgan, S. R. Starns, Isaac
Williams.
Company I — Sergeant H. C. Hubbard, Privates Joseph
Beaver, A. G. Cash, Absolom Cress, D. W. Leach, Frank Julian.
James C. MacRab,
Raleigh, N. C, C. M. BuSBEE.
April 9, 1900.
SIXTH REGIMENT.
1. Charles F. FlBlier, Colonel. 4. R. P. Webb, Colonel
I' T..^o'^Zt^^"'Z\ , '■ Samuel McDowell Tate, Lieut-Colonel.
3. IsaaeErwm Avery, Colonel. 6. Alphonso C. Avery, Captain, Co. E.
7. C. M. Mobane, 1st Lieut, antl Adjt.
SIXTH REGIMENT.
By captain NEILL W. RAY.
When the country was passing through the throes of the early
part of 1861 the writer of this sketch was a cadet at the North
Carolina Military Institute at Charlotte, N. C. It was a time
of great excitement — stirring events of great import were fol-
lowing each other in rapid succession, and every mail was anx-
iously waited for. State after State was seceding from the
Union. There was talk in the U. S. Congress of coercing, of
subjugating, and, if necessary, exterminating the seceders. A war-
cloud was looming up on the horizon ; military companies were
organizing; an army had been gathered at Charleston; all eyes were
turned toward Fort Sumter. The cadets partook of the general
excitement, and as the operations in and around Charleston became
more and more serious they became restive. Our Superintendent,
Major (afterwards General) D. H. Hill, went down there, and
when, after a few days' stay, he returned to the Institute, the
whole corps assembled to hear him tell what he had seen and
heard. He gave a full account of what was being done by
General Beauregard and his Confederates, of their plans for
preventing the re-inforcement of Sumter, and for capturing it,
by bombardment, if necessary. Several of the cadets expressed
a desire to go at once to the seat of war, for fear, as they said,
Sumter would be taken and the war be over before they could
have a chance to see anything of it. To them Major Hill said,
in a very serious manner : " Young gentlemen, if there be one
hostile gun fired at Sumter, we will all see enough of it before
the war is over." Prophetic words ! Soon thereafter that gun
was fired, and its booming and the crashing caused by its shot
echoed and re-echoed far and wide.
294 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
The people of North Carolina had appeared to hesitate about
withdrawing from the Union, but it was not because of their
indifference to the doctrine of "State Rights" and "community
independence." In the matter of secession they showed the
same conservatism that characterized their deliberations whilst
considering the Constitution before agreeing to become one of
the United States. They cherished a hope for a pacific settle-
ment of the questions then disturbing the country. When all
overtures for peace had failed. Fort Sumter was bombarded
and taken, and thereupon, the President of the United States
called for troops to put down the rebellion — to coerce, to subju-
gate an independent State — then all the people, with few excep-
tions, manifested their willingness to resist any such attempt.
North Carolina took her place promptly on the side of consti-
tutional rights and civil liberty, and most nobly did she main-
tain and hold her position to the bitter end.
The ofBcers and teachers of the Institute, being military men,
promptly offered their services to their State. It was soon
apparent that the school could not be continued. Most of the
cadets went to their homes in their own States to volunteer.
Colonel Charles F. Fisher, then President of the North Caro-
lina Railroad, in pursuance of his purpose to raise a regiment,
brought a number of men from along the North Carolina Rail-
road and Western North Carolina Railroad and quartered them
in that part of the barracks that had been vacated, and he asked
that those cadets who were still remaining should drill his men.
They willingly did so, and some of them were offered positions
in the regiment. In that way the writer became a member of
Fisher's Regiment. It was soon decided that a better place for
the camp of instruction would be Company Shops. So all were
carried down there, and the work of organization and instruction
was carried on as rapidly as practicable. The camp was in an
old field along the railroad, just east of the shops. It is now a
part of the town of Burlington. Nearly every day there were
train loads of troops passing from the Southern States "on to
Sixth Regiment. 295
Virginia." Their clieers were greeted with hearty responses by
our men.
The few pages to which this sketch must be compressed will
not admit details as to the organization of the diiferent companies.
For a roll of the officers and men at the organization, and for
subsequent changes by resignations, promotions, deaths and trans-
fers, reference must be had to the "Roster of North Carolina
Troops," heretofore published by authority, from which, imper-
fect though it be, it would be necessary to copy in order to give
names. For casualties in battle, deaths from wounds and disease,
killed and captured, reference must be had to the muster-rolls,
morning reports and other records on file in the proper depart-
ment, or at Washington, where the " Records of the Rebellion " are
being compiled — access to which is to me at present impracticable.
What is called for, as I understand it, is a short summary of the
part performed in the Confederate war by each of the seventy-
five regiments, eleven battalions and nine independent batteries
of North Carolina Troops — so short a history of each that all
can be published in two or three volumes of convenient size.
Suffice it then to say, as to the organization, that the Sixth
North Carolina State Troops was duly organized on the 16th
May, 1861, at Company Shops, with C. F. Fisher as Colonel,
W. T. Dortch as Lieutenant-Colonel, and C. E. Lightfoot as
Major. When the regiment was about to leave for Virginia,
Lieutenant-Colonel Dortch, on the death of Governor Ellis,
resigned by reason of his office in the Legislature. Lightfoot
was made Lieutenant-Colonel and Captain Webb, "of Company
B, was made Major.
CoMPAXY A was first commanded by Captain R. M. McKin-
ney, who had been one of the Professors at the North Carolina
Military Institute. Before the regiment was fully organized he
was made Colonel of the Fifteenth Regiment and S. S. Kirkland
was made Captain.
Company B, Captain R. F. Webb; then Captain W. K.
Parrish. The men were mostly from Orange county.
Company C, Captain W. G. Freeland, from Orange county.
296 North Carolina Troops, ]861-'65.
Company T>, Captain S. McD. Tate. The men were mostly
from Bnrke county, some from Catawba and McDowell.
Company E, Captain T. E. Avery, with men from Burke,
McDowell, Mitc^hell and Yancey counties.
(Company F, from Alamance, Captain J. W. Wilson.
Company G, from liowan, C-aptain J. A. Craige.
Company H, from Caswell, Captain A. A. Mitchell.
Company I, from Wake and Chatham, Captain R. W. York.
Company K, from Alamance, Captain J. W. Lea.
iVfter the first organization many changes were made, and,
from time to time during the war, a great many recruits were
enlisted from many other counties and assigned to the diiferent
companies; and it is su])posed that, from first to last, there were
perhaps as many as two thousand men that belonged h) the regi-
ment. The men were all mustered in for the war, and this
regiment was organized as one of the ten regiments called for to
serve during the war, and was always known as the Sixth North
Carolina State Troops.
When the regiment was reported as ready for service a day
was fixed for our departure for the seat of war. On the appointed
day a great many people from the surrounding counties came
in to bid good-bye to their sons, their brothers, their fathers,
their husbands. It was a sad day — I will not attempt to recall
or to describe its scenes. The Southern soldier volunteer's fare-
well ! — no artist can picture it. But, trying as it was to bid
farewell undfir such circumstances, yet not one of the thousand
flinched. When the roll-call was sounded and the command
"Fall in" was given the tears were brushed from their eyes;
they took their places in the line, and as their uames were called
each one firmly answered "Here!" Here, ready to leave home
and dear ones — ready to do, to dare, to suffer, and, if need be,
to die, in defense of the rights which, by the Constitution^
belong to me and my fellow-citizens, and to my State, and the
States that are confederated with her — ready to resist, and, if
possible, drive back the armed invasion being made by troops
Sixth Regdiest. 297
from Northern States, arrogating to themselves that they are
"the United States"; forgetting that by the terms of the laws
and ordinances by which they came into and adopted the Cons-
titution of the United States their States had no right to attempt
the coercion or subjugation of any other States.
With such convictions and such patriotic motives, the men of
the Sixth Regiment North Carolina Troops were banded
together; and assured of the justness of thfir cause, confiding in
their leaders, and with well-grounded hopes of success, started
in for the war. Taking the cars at Company Shops, we were
carried to Raleigh and stopped there for a few days, during
which we were called on to act as escort at the funeral of Gov-
ernor Ellis. Leaving Raleigh, we were carried by way of Wel-
don to Petersburg and then to Richmond. Vie stopped there
for a day, awaiting transportation, camping at the old Fair
Ground. President Davis reviewed the regiment, making a
short speech to us. From Richmond we were carried, by Gor-
donsville, to Manassas, and thence by way of the Manassas Gap
Railroad to Strasburg; from which point we marched hurriedly
to Winchester. Halting for a short while in the streets of Win-
chester, we heard all sorts of rumors as to the expected attack
by the enemy.
Here our men first experienced that kind, patriotic hospitality
which made famous the noble women of the army-stricken sec-
tions of our country. As the two armies, for four years, swayed
back and forth, leaving them within the lines of first one and
then the other of the contending armies, they were always
prompt and willing to help fill the haversack or even the canteen
of the Confederate soldier, after their homes were so devastated
that they could furnish nothing but cold water.
The regiment was assigned to General Bee's Brigade, and we
were soon hurried out and given a place on the extreme left of
the line of battle which General Johnston had formed to meet
the expected attack from the enemy. This looked more like
war than anything we had seen. Every trooper that came in
from the front was anxiously watched, but no enemy came.
2: North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
On the 18th of July the line was broken and we were marched
back through Winchester, and then eastward. General Beaure-
gard's army at Manassas was threatened, and we were marching
to his relief. Wading the Shenandoah, we hurried right along
up the mountain at Ashby's Gap. On the 19th, General Bee
complained of the straggling, but we were urged forward by
what we then thought was a forced march — later in the war we
would not have thought it unusual. During the night of the
19th our regiment was halted at a station on the Manassas Gap
Railroad. On account of some delay in getting cars, it was late
in the evening of the 20th that we were counted into box-cars —
so many on top and so many inside. There were ugly rumors
as to obstructions placed on the track, evidently intended to
impede our progress. With such rumors, with a train of box-
cars full of sleepy, tired men, inside and on top, in the night,
and through a mountainous country, it was a dangerous ride.
We safely reached Manassas Junction on the morning of the
21st. Disembarking there, we could hear the firing of guns —
the battle had begun — and we were marched off hurriedly in the
direction of the firing. As we neared the battlefield we could
hear the rattling musketry and exploding shells. We began to
meet wounded men — we saw blood — the war was a reality.
Some of the wounded were badly hurt, whilst others had slight
wounds, about the hands for instance, and some of our men
were so unsoldierly as to envy those who had escaped with only
such slight wounds as would give them a furlough. We were
led on, avoiding exposed places so as to keep out of sight of
the enemy, until we were brought up in front of what is known
as the " Henry House," near which a battery of artillery was
posted and throwing its deadly missiles into the Confederate
lines. This was Rickett's Battery. It was but a short time —
it seemed only a few minutes — before these guns were silencQ,d
and captured. But in those few minutes Colonel Fisher and
many others had been killed. The regiment had received its
baptism of blood. The enemy, however, was still extending
their right beyond our left. It was a critical time. On this
Sixth Regiment. 299
ridge or plateau, on which the "Henry House" stood, was the
hardest fighting of the day. Here it was that General Bee, a
short while before he was killed, bravely calling on his men to
stand firm against the heavy columns that were coming against
them, pointed down the line to General Jackson, saying: "Look
at Jackson, he stands like a stone wall ! " — words that will never
die. On this ridge, the turning point of the first battle of
Manassas Plains, Generals Jackson and Hampton were wounded,
Generals Bee and Bartow and Colonel Fisher were killed, together
with hundreds of others whose names were not so prominent,
but whose conduct was as heroic and whose lives were as precious
to their country and kindred.
Before the enemy could bring up their fresh columns to regain
the lost position, their lines on the extreme right began to waver.
General Kirby Smith, who was bringing up the other part of
the Army of the Shenandoah, appeared on our extreme left, and
then began a retreat, which soon became a stampede, which
would have enabled the Confederates to have gone into Wash-
ington if they had pressed forward.
Much has been written as to the effect of this first great battle
of the war on the two sections of the country. The Confeder-
ates have always lamented their lost opportunity of capturing
Washington. The Federals have always tried to believe that
their defeat was a blessing in disguise.
Our regiment lamented the death of our Brigadier-General,
Bee, who, in the six days that we were in his brigade, had won
the respect and confidence of all ; and among our many dead we
especially lamented the loss of Colonel Fisher — noble, true,
brave, almost to a fault. He had the qualities that would have
made him most useful in the army. No better provider for his
men could be found; they were devoted to him.
After the battle our brigade was commanded by General W.
H. C- Whiting, and was known as the Third Brigade. We were
camped for a week or two at Bull Run, but, to be in a healthier
location, we were moved back and camped near Bristow Station,
a place that afterwards became famous. Whilst here Colonel
300 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
W. D. Pender came to us and took command. The regiment
suifered severely from sickness and many died of disease. lu
the fall of 1861 we were moved down near Freestone Point, on
the Potomac, above Dumfries'. There we staid until cold
weather, and then built winter-quarters. During the fall and
winter we took our turn in picketing along the Potomac and on
the Occoquan, and in guarding the batteries that were intended
to command the river at Quantico and Evansport. Sometimes
there would be alarms, and sometimes, whilst we were guarding
these batteries, there would be long-range duels, and a few shells
would be thrown at us, but we had no serious fighting.
The winter 1861-62 was uneventful. About the 8th of
March, 1862, in accordance with orders, we burned our winter-
quarters, with a great deal of our baggage, camp supplies, etc.,
and marched southward, crossing the Rappahannock at Falmouth,
and pitched our camp near- Fredericksburg. We were not
pressed or hurried in the retreat, the movement seemed to be a
deliberate one, and the necessity for the immense destruction of
baggage and supplies of all sorts, which took place by order
when the army fell back from Manassas, has never been made
apparent.
At Fredericksburg a number of recruits joined the regiment.
Toward the latter part of March it was found that large num-
bers of troops from McClellan's army were being transported
down the Potomac. We were ordered to move again, and, leav-
ing Fredericksburg, we took the road towards Richmond. After
marching as far as Wilford Station, we were placed on board the
cars, but were stopped at Ashland. After a few days' stay there,
we started again in light marching order and went by the coun-
try roads to Yorktown, arriving there towards the last of April,
and were camped west of the town near the Williamsburg road.
During our stay at Yorktown there were several alarms, and we
were called into line several times, but the enemy did not
advance. It was soon evident that some important movement
was in contemplation. The preparation that was being made
seemed to be for fighting the enemy there.
Sixth Regiment. 301
On the morning of the 4th of May we were called quietly
into line, and our regiment was formed across the Williamsburg
road, facing toward Yorktown. Regiment after regiment filed
by — that movement had been going on all night — the whole
array- was falling back, and we were assigned the post of honor,
the rearguard on that road. There was nothing between us and
McClellan's advancing array but a few cavalrymen. Again and
again, many times during the forepart of that day, as our army
passed on, we would drop back and reform our line across the
road, prepared for the enemy's advance, but we had no fighting
to do. When we got in sight of Williamsburg and the forts
and earth-works that had been prepared for defense there, we
expected to see them fully manned by our troops. But the
troops were all resting around promiscuously, apparently with-
out any expectation of an enemy. When we reached the earth-
works we were not halted, but were marched right on, and after
passing through the town we took the road that bore towards
York River. That night when the camp-followers and strag-
glers came into camp, they told us that our army had been sur-
prised at Williamsburg, and that many men were killed. That
surprise ought not to have taken place. Some one was negligent.
On the next day we still continued in our march to lean over
towards York River. General Franklin, with a large force, was
going up the river on transports, escorted by gun-boats, and we
were to prevent him from getting between General Johnston and
Richmond, or interfering with the retreat. We had quite a bat-
tle near Barhamsville, or Eltham's Landing. The enemy after-
wards claimed it a success. We thought we succeeded. We
did not drive his fleet down the river, he had too many gun-
boats, but we prevented his coming off the river to impede the
movements of our army.
The army was now well on its way on the retreat from the
Yorktown peninsula. The ordnance stores and other supplies
that had been abandoned must have been immense. Some of it
was brought down to the lines near Yorktown within a day or
302 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
two before the retreat began. Was that good manag-ement?
Was it a necessary loss?
The march back towards Richmond was very disagreeable.
There had been a great deal of rain ; the roads were very bad,
muddy and miry. We got separated from our commissary
wagons. The men suffered with hunger.
One evening when the regiment was filed out of the road to
camp — they had been without rations and none were in sight — a
wagon came along loaded with corn in the ear. It was intended
for the horses, but the men were so hungry that, upon the sug-
gestion by some one that parched corn would do for subsistence,
they rushed for the wagon and would have emptied it but for
the interference of the guard, who told them that the commissary
wagon was coming.
When the army got within the lines that were finally chosen
for the defense of Richmond our camp was north of the city.
On the 29th and 30th of May we had heavy rains. A fearful
thunder-storm passed over our camp. One stroke of lightning
in our brigade disabled for a time about thirty men, of whom it
was said that four died. The description of that storm as given '
in the Richmond Examiner the next morning was most graphic.
It was remarkable as a literary production. In consequence of
these heavy rains the Chickahominy River was much swollen,
and General Johnston, who had withdrawn most of his army to
the south side of that stream, thought it a good time to attack
McClellan, whose army was on both sides of the river. On the
31st of May we were hurried out in the direction of Seven
Pines and joined in the attack. For a while we drove the
enemy in fine style. They must have been completely surprised,
for we passed through camps in which we found their dinner in
the kettles being cooked, and in some cases it was smoking-hot
on their camp-tables. After driving them back for a considera-
ble distance they began to make a stand, and the fighting became
furious. As we afterwards learned, we were not far from Fair
Oaks Station, and nearly opposite the "Grape-vine Bridge,"
which was a new bridge constructed by them. Re-inforcemejits
Sixth Eegiment. 303
from the north side were pouring across this bridge and our
advance was stayed. General Johnston, together with President
Davis and General G. W. Smith, with a numerous staff, came
up in the rear of our brigade. Here it was that General John-
ston was wounded. That was nearly night, and as it was a dark
evening the heavy battle-smoke soon made it impossible to see,
and the firing ceased and we made no further advance. The
next morning, Sunday, June 1st, found the two armies still in
front of each other. But no heavy fighting was done on our
part of the line. They did considerable shelling from the north
side of the Chickahominy. So ended the battle of Seven Pines
and Fair Oaks. After this battle Colonel Pender was promoted
and Captain I. E. Avery was made Lieutenant-Colonel of the
Sixth Regiment.
About the 12th to 13th of June our division was placed
aboard the cars at Richmond and carried by way of Lynchburg
and Charlottsville to Staunton, and disembarking there, started
down the Valley. But we made only one march in that direction
when we met General Jackson's men coming up the Valley pike
■ towards Staunton. We were turned about and marched by way
of Waynesboro and across the Blue Ridge at Rockfish Gap
towards Charlottsville. Our road was nearly along the railroad,
and we could see train-load after train-load of troops moving
east. Finally our turn came, and we were taken up and hauled
to Trevillian's Depot, and thence were marched, bearing at first
towards Fredericksburg, but at last turned to Ashland. Here
we were told that Lee was going to capture McCIellau's army or
drive him away from Richmond. We were on his right flank,
and were to move early in the morning of the 26th. We did
so, but before we had gotten in rear of McClellan's right, or
had time to attack him, the Confederates in front of his lines at
and near Mechanicsville charged him in front. They carried the
works, but at fearful loss. Our brigade. Whiting's, had had
only a slight skirmish in crossing Totapotamoi Creek, and if
Jackson had been allowed a little longer time the enemy could
not have awaited the attack in front, for Jackson was about to
304 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
strike him in the rear. Whose fault or by whose mistake was
the great loss of Confederates at Mechanicsville?
On the 27th we took part in the battle of Gaines' Mill, or Cold
Harbor, one of the most noted and hotly-contested battles of
the war. The enemy, under General Fitzjohn Porter, was
strongly posted on the east bank of Powhite Creek. His
artillery was on top of the ridge, in front of which were two
lines of infantry, so placed on the hill-side that the artillery and
the two lines of infantry could all fire over each other on the
advancing Confederates; and to reach their line we had to cross
the creek in a deep ravine. They had felled the timber so as to
hinder an attacking force. Our brigade, Whiting's, was formed
in line, with Hood's (Texas) Brigade, as I recollect, on our left,
and had moved forward until we were about within range of the
enemy's musketry. A short halt was made. The field of bat-
tle was before us: cannons belching forth fire and smoke; burst-
ing shells; riderless horses rushing wildly about; smoking lines
of infantry ; charging columns gallantly led by mounted officers;
wounded men being borne to the rear, whilst the dead lay
motionless and still ! It was the reality of the pictures given
us by artists. There had been an unsuccessful attempt to drive
the enemy from his strong position. Our line Was in readiness.
The gallant Whiting, riding along in front of the line, was
cheered by our men, and, turning to the line, raised his hat in
acknowledgment of the salute, and called out, saying: "Boys,
you can take it ! " and motioned towards the enemy's position.
"Forward!" was the command all along the line. The advance
across the open field on the west side of the creek; crossing the
creek and working our way up the hill through the fallen timber;
driving the two lines of infantry from behind their breastworks
and capturing the artillery posted on the ridge behind them, was
a severe test of those qualities which have made the Confederate
soldier famous. It was a military feat which the historians of
the war do not seem to have appreciated. The Sixth Regiment
did its part in driving the enemy from a position which, after
we had taken it and had time to view the situation, looked as if
Sixth Regiment. 305
it shpiild have been impregnable to troops attacking it in front.
It has been said that President Davis watched this attack from
where he was on the south side of the Chickahominy; saw its
success, and, not knowing the troops or their commander, eulo-
gized them, and said: "That charge has saved Richmond."
When the battle ended it was getting dark. The loss of this
position compelled the Federals to withdraw to the south side of
the Chickahominy, which they did during that night, destroy-
ing the bridges. McClellan was retreating to the James. Our
pursuit was delayed until the bridges could be rebuilt. When
we crossed to the south side the battle of Savage Station had
been won. We passed through the battlefield on the 30th and
assisted in forcing the passage of White Oak Swamp, which the
enemy was stubbornly holding, in order to give time for his
trains to get away. We were on the left of the line at Malvern
Hill, and although under a terrible fire, supporting our artillery,
we were not ordered to charge the enemy. On the morning of
the 2d of July the enemy was gone, and we were marched in
pursuit, and found him at Harrison's Lauding. Our lines were
formed promptly, skirmishing began, and we thought we were
to attack him at once, but General Lee concluded that his posi-
tion, protected as it was by gun-boats, was too strong. McCIel-
lan's army had not been captured, but the seige of Richmond
had been raised.
After watching the enemy for a few days, we were marched
back to the neighborhood of Richmond, where we camped until
August, when we started on the campaign known as the Pope
campaign, so called because the Federal army was commanded
by General John Pope, who rendered himself infamous by his
uncivilized warfare and cruel treatment of citizens, and who
withal made himself ridiculous by his braggadocio orders, which
were followed by bad generalship and consequent defeat. Our
brigade was commanded by Colonel (afterwards General) E. M.
Law, and was in General Hood's Division.
We took part in a number of skirmishes along the Rappa-
hannock, and near Warrentou Springs, and when General Jack-
20
306 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
son, at Manassas and Bull Run, was about to be separated from
the other portion of the army, whilst we were marching hur-
riedly to his relief, we found the enemy disputing our passage
through Thoroughfare Gap. No time was to be lost. Com-
munication with Jackson was necessary. We were filed by a
narrow path up the mountain side to the summit on the left of
the pass. The enemy was driven back and left the pass or gap
open. From our position on the top of the mountain, on the
evening of the 28th, we could see the firing of the guns and the
explosion of the shells in the fight against Jackson, far away on
Bull Run, or near it, but we could not hear the sound of a gun.
Early on the 29th we were on the march to the relief of Jack-
son, who had hard fighting, as we judged by the heavy firing
which was then plainly to be heard. As soon as we came up
our division. Hood's, was formed in line across the Warrenton
turnpike and moved forward to attack the enemy's line, which
was then pressing hard upon Jackson. We drove him back.
We were heavily engaged also on the 30th, when the enemy
was forced to give up the field. When the battle was over we
found that the two armies had occupied about the same positions
that were held by them on the 21st of July, 1861, except that
they were reversed. The last stand by the enemy was made on
the ridge or plateau on which stood the " Henry House," made
famous as the scene of the severest part of the battle known as
First Manassas.
After the battle of Ox Hill on the 30th we were marched
towards the Potomac, and fording it, we marched to Monocacy
Bridge, near Frederick, in Maryland. Thence we went along
the Baltimore and Ohio turnpike, crossing the mountains at
Boonsboro, marching by the side of our wagon-trains all the
way to Hagerstown. We were there only a short time, when we
heard cannonading in the direction of Boonsboro. We were
hurried back, and when we reached Boonsboro we heard heavy
fighting upon the mountain. We were carried up to the pass
and were first formed in line on the south side of the pike, and
then to the north side and afterwards to the south side again,
Sixth Regiment. 307
but we were not heavily engaged in the battle. Early the next
morning we found that our army had moved in the direction of
the Potomac, and we were acting as the rearguard. Many times
during the day our regiment was formed into line across the
road, as the army fell back towards Sharpsburg. The enemy
came in sight several times, but did not attack. When we reached
the top of the hill above Sharpsburg, where the Federal ceme-
tery now is, we found a considerable part of the army resting
there. Lee and his staff were there, and soon a courier arrived
bringing news of the capture of Harper's Ferry. About that
time the enemy was seen placing a battery in the field north of
the Antietam. He began throwing shells. The. camp-follow-
ers were soon going further towards Virginia. But, under the
direction of General Lee, the different commands were deploying
into line. He was retreating no longer.
Our brigade was carried west along the Hagerstown road to
the Dunkard Church — St. Mumma's — where the Smoketown
road branches off to the north. Forming our line along the
Hagerstown road, we remained there during the rest of that day,
the 15th of September, and on the 16th until late in the evening.
Then the cavalry reported that the enemy was moving with
strong lines and coming up in front of us. Our lines were then
pushed forward in the direction of the Smoketown road ^ome
distance, perhaps a quarter of a mile. Our regiment was on the
east side of the Smoketown road, along a fence and skirt of
woods, known as East Woods in the accounts of the battle.
Sometime after dark a line of men was discovered moving along
our front from our right towards our left, so unconcernedly that
they were at first supposed to be Confederates, but when they
were hailed and found to be enemies one volley from our line
scattered them and we were not molested further that night. At
sometime during the night, perhaps about one or two o'clock,
we were carried back to (what was then) woods near the Dunk-
ard Church. It is now a cleared field. Here we were told to
rest. But early in the morning of the 17th, when it was hardly
light, the battle opened. Our position, though we were then in
North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
the second line, was a very trying one. The enemy's guns in our
front poured shot and shell into us, whilst we were exposed to a
cross-fire from his long-range guns, posted on the northeast side
of Antietam Creek. The infantry in our front were soon
engaged. There was an incessant roar of cannonading, and the
roll of musketry was terrific. Wounded men were going back
through our lines by scores. The battle was raging awfully.
Our line was called into action, and moved to the front up the
Smoketown road and between it and the Hagerstown pike. The
front line had made a noble stand, but it was being pressed
back. The enemy, with fresh lines, was pushing forward when
we met him. Here it was that, for the first time in the war, I
saw our men fix their bayonets in action, which they did at the
command of General Hood, who was riding up and down the
line. We broke the enemy's line and held our place for a while,
but he was bringing up fresh columns and( overlapping our
left, and we were forced back. The enemy seemed to be over-
coming us until our left was re-inforced by troops that were
ordered up from our right. They engaged the enemy and drove
him back again to the north of the Dunkard Church, and our
lines were re-established. There was no further heavy fighting
on that part of the line. The heavy fighting in the afternoon
was near the stone bridge east of the town.
If the future historian will study the battle of Sharpsburg,
the positions of the two armies and the number of troops belong-
ing to each, he will be forced to conclude that it should be con-
sidered one of the most noted battles of the war, and that Lee's
army covered itself with glory there.
Remaining on the field during the afternoon and night of the
17th and all day of the 18th without any renewal of attack, the
army on the night of the 18th moved across the Potomac into
Virginia. We camped there for sometime near a big spring
northwest of Winchester. Toward the latter part of October,
General McClellan showed signs of an intention to advance into
Virginia, east of the Blue Ridge. So we were marched across
the mountains, and were kept marching until we were brought
Sixth Regiment. 309
up in front of Fredericksburg. Here we learned that McClellan
had been removed and that Burnside had been placed in com-
mand of the Army of the Potomac. As we neared Fredericks-
burg we met old men and old women and children, some on foot,
some in carriages, some being hauled in wagons; many of them
apparently too sick to travel ; all vacating the town because the
Federal commander had threatened to bombard it, which he did
do a few days thereafter.
It had been decided to organize the army anew and to brigade
the troops by States, but the Sixth remained with Law's Brigade
until after the battle of Fredericksburg, when it was placed,
together with the Twenty-first, the Fifty-fourth and Fifty-sev-
enth North Carolina Regiments, in a brigade commanded by
General R. F. Hoke.
Our brigade during the battle of Fredericksburg was on the
line between Hamilton's Crossing and the to.wn, about in front
of the Barnard House. General Franklin commanded that por-
tion of the Federal army which confronted us. His attack was
very powerful, and soon after the battle began the enemy took
advantage of an interval that was inadvertently allowed in the
line on our right towards Hamilton's Crossing and broke through.
Here it was that General Gregg, of South Carolina, was mortally
wounded. But the enemy's success was only temporary, for
he was soon repulsed, and he did not, after that, show much
disposition to press forward. Late in the afternoon our brigade
was called upon to drive the enemy from an advanced position
which he was holding along the railroad where it crossed
Hazel Run or Deep Run. The Fifty-fourth and Fifty-seventh
Regiments (N. C.) were placed in advance by General Law, at
the request of their Colonels, McDowell and Godwin, and they
drove the enemy in handsome style clear away from the railroad.
General Law's Aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Smith, was killed in
the effort to stop the two regiments in the pursuit of the enemy.
This line we held. On the morning of the second day thereafter
we found that there was no enemy in front of us. He was
310 North Carolina Tkoops, 1861-65.
on the north side of the Rappahannock. The campaigns of
1862 were over.
We went into winter-quarters on the hills southwest of
Hamilton's Crossing in December, 1862, but were removed to
Hoke's Brigade during the winter, which was in camp near
Jackson's headquarters on the right of the line, and during the
winter did our share of picketing along the river between
Fredericksburg and Port Royal.
General Burnside made an unsuccessful attempt to advance in
January, 1863, but was forced to abandon it on account of the
mud, and that movement was known as Burnside's "Mud
March." He resigned, and General Hooker was placed in com-
mand of the Army of the Potomac. When he made his advance
in what is known as the Chancellorsville or the Wilderness cam-
paign, our brigade was near the same part of the line which we
occupied during the battle in December before. There was no
very heavy fighting near Fredericksburg until the 4th. General
Sedgwick, who was in command of the enemy's forces about
Fredericksburg, moved out of the town, attacked and captured
Marye's Hill, where there had been such awful destruction of life
in December previous; and he appeared to be moving so as to
strike the right of General Lee's line of battle up toward Chan-
cellorsville. Our brigade was commanded by General Hoke,
and we were at once moved from our position below Deep Run,
so as to attack the enemy, who was then on the hills south of
the town. The conflict was sharp, but short, and the enemy was
soon on the retreat. In this fight General Hoke was wounded.
By the next morning Hooker and his army were again on the
north side of the Rappahannock. After a short rest our brigade
was moved westward and crossed the Rapidan towards Culpep-
per Court House; and after the battle of Brandy Station we
were carried by long, hurried marches over the Blue Ridge,
crossing the Shanandoah at Port Royal, and thence to Win-
chester. There we took part in the battle which resulted in the
capture of Milroy's command, although he himself escaped.
There was a large number of prisoners, and one of our regi-
Sixth Regiment. 311
ments, the Fifty- fourth, was detailed to guard them and carry
them up the Valley to Staunton. The Sixth Regiment and the
other two regiments of the brigade went on in that series of
movements which culmiaated at Gettysburg. We crossed the
Potomac near Shepherdstown and passed through Sharpsburg,
where we had lost so many of our regiment in September before ;
thence on past Hagerstown, and nearly' to Chambersburg. We
then bore to the right or easterly across the mountains, passing
Heidlersburg, Berlin and other towns, and on to York. There
we stopped and rested for a few days, camping in the old Fair
Grounds. General Gordon, with a brigade of our division,
pushed on still further towards Philadelphia and burned the
bridge over the Susquehanna at Columbia. Leaving York, we
soon found that we were retracing our march. On the afternoon
of the 1st of July, when we, as it afterwards appeared, were within
a few miles of Gettysburg, and whilst halted for a rest, although
we could not hear or see any signs of battle, an order was passed
along down the line to inspect arms and examine the cartridge-
boxes and see that all were well supplied with ammunition, and
directing also that there should be no straggling. Moving for-
ward, we soon heard cannonading in our front, andsoon there-
after we were in hearing of musketry. The road was cleared
for the artillery to come forward, and we were formed into line
of battle to protect it. The battle was raging on the west and
northwest of the town, and we were engaging the lines that were
formed on the north of the town. In the artillery duel that
took place here, one of the guns which our regiment supported
was disabled by a shot from one of the enemy's guns, which
struck our gun exactly in the muzzle and split it. That might
be called a center-shot. The enemy seemed to fight with more
desperation and gallantry than we had been accustomed to in
our engagements with him in Virginia. He was upon his
own soil, and it was no longer a sentiment about the old flag, it
was a fight for home. But our mfen were never more unfalter-
ing. The long line of battle moved with great steadiness across
the wide-extended fields of wheat which were just ready for the
312 JS^OETH CaeolixVa Troops, 1861-'65.
reaper. There was, on that field, another Eeaper gathering in a
numerous harvest from the fields of Time. As we moved for-
ward, one by one our men were left dead or wounded on the field
behind us, but still our line advanced, and although the enemy
made a determined stand we could see his line thinning down.
Just north of the town, and a little to the east of the depot,
he held his line until Our men crossed bayonets with him.
Swords were used on him, and when the artillery which he
was protecting fired its last round the stream of fire from the
mouth of the gun crossed our line. It was necessary for him
to be thus desperate in holding this position in order to protect
the retreat from Seminary Ridge. The artillery was being car-
ried back from Seminary Ridge, through the town, to Cemetery
Hill. He was in full retreat through the town. We thought
the battle of Gettysburg was over ; and so it was, for when we
passed to the southeast side of the town and got in sight of
Cemetery Hill we could see him placing his first gun on East
Cemetery Hill, and we could see no troops out east of Cemetery
Hill towards Culp's Hill. Our men were anxious to proceed
and take possession of Cemetery Hill, and it was only by posi-
tive orders that a halt was made. The line was soon reformed
along a little rivulet that runs northeastwardly from Cemetery
Hill, and between the town and Culp's Hill. But we had no
orders for any further advance. As soon as it began to grow
dark we could hear sounds of what might have been thousands
of axes cutting down the timber on Culp's Hill. He made
breastworks and lined the Cemetery Hill with artillery, and
placed a battery on a small hill between Cemetery Hill and
Culp's Hill, and his guns were also protected by earth-works
which he threw up during the night.
By the morning of the 2d all these places were full of infan-
try, and his artillery was so posted as to be able to fire over
the heads of his infantry, whilst a strong line of skirmishers
was in front of all, which was frequently relieved. He kept
up a galling fire on us all day. There was a terrific cannonade
between the enemy's guns and ours, which were posted on the
Sixth Regiment. 313
north and east of the town. This was not very destructive to
our infantry line, because, being in the valley, the shots passed
over us.
But late in the afternoon, after the artillery had about ceased
firing, couriers and aids were seen riding rapidly from one com-
manding officer to another. We knew what that meant. The
order was given: "Forward, Guide Eight!" Hays' Brigade of
Louisiana was on our right; ours, the Sixth Regiment, was next
to Hays'; Colonel Isaac E. Avery, of the Sixth, was in command
of our brigade; Lieutenant-Colonel S. McD. Tate was in com-
mand of the regiment. Never can that time be forgotten. Every
man in the line knew what was before him. We had seen the enemy
gathering on Cemetery Hill; we had laid under the fire of his
numerous guns; we knew the preparations he had made for
us. Yet, promptly at the command, the line moved forward,
and in a few minutes we were in full view of the enemy's bat-
teries and his lines of infantry. His sharp-shooters emptied
their rifles at us and fell back to their main line at once, and
every gun was brought to bear upon us. The fire was terrific,
but our men moved forward very rapidly, bearing to the right,
having the batteries on Cemetery Hill as their objective point.
As we approached the hill the guns on Battery Hill, over to-
wards Culp's Hill, had an enfilading fire on us. Still our men
rushed forward, crawled over the stone wall near the base
of the hill, drove from behind it a strong line of infantry,
and went still forward to the top of the hill, and silenced the
numerous pieces of artillery that had been so advantageously
posted. We had full possession of East Cemetery Hill, the key
to General Meade's position, and we held it for several minutes.
It was then after daylight had gone down, the smoke was very
dense, and, although the moon was rising, we could not see what
the enemy was doing, but we could hear him attempting to
rally his men, and more than once he rallied close up to us.
But our men had formed behind a rock wall, and as he ap-
proached we fired a volley into him, which drove him back. This
occurred at least twice. No one who has never been in a similar
314 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
position can understand how anxiously we looiied for re-inforce-
ments. None came, however, and before long orders came for
us to fall back to our original position.
By not supporting Hoke's Brigade of North Carolina and
Hays' Brigade of Louisiana in the storming and capturing of
Cemetery Hill the battle of Gettysburg was lost. I do not
know whose fault it was, but I feel assured in saying that it
was not the fault of the storming column. It did its whole
duty and fell back only when orders came for it to do so.
Much has been written about the battle of Gettysburg, and
what was accomplished by the different conamands and the troops
from the different States. But, at the risk of being charged with
immodesty, I venture to claim that the storming and capturing
of Cemetery Hill on the evening of the second day was not sur-
passed by anything that was done during the three days' fight.
The facts on which the claim is based will appear to any one
who will go to the spot. He will there see the positions of the
contending armies and the strength of the hill. The breastworks
and embankments protecting the enemy's guns are still plainly
visible. Its defenses and the lines of the positions of its de-
fenders a-re all marked by durable monuments. And on the top-
most summit he will find a cluster of monuments, the inscrip-
tions on which recite the desperate assault made by Hoke's and
Hays' Brigades on the 2d of July, 1863, and especially men-
tion the hand-to-hand conflict, after the last round of ammuni-
tion had been fired and the capture and spiking of the enemy's
guns by the Confederates.
I did not know at the time of the battle that the men had
spiked the enemy's guns. But on a visit to the battlefield since the
war I met one of the cannoneers who helped to man those guns
on that evening, and he told me of what a terrible raking fire
they had at us until we got close up to the hill; of how many
shots they fired to the minute from each gun; and he said it was
a fact that several of their guns were found to have been spiked
by our men, as shown by the recitals inscribed on those monu-
ments.
Sixth Regiment. 315
These are records that cannot be gainsaid, and they will
endure. I refer to them with pride: not for myself, but for my
regiment, and especially for and on behalf of the troops from
North Carolina, whose glorious deeds at Gettysburg have been
so much ignored.
The noble soldierly bearing of the many regiments of North
Carolina troops that took part in that three days' fight — on Semi-
nary Ridge and Rock Creek on the first day, and with General
Johnson on Gulp's Hill on the evening of the second and morn-
ing of the third day, and in the charge on Cemetery Ridge on
the third day, have not been given due prominence in the accounts
of the battle of Gettysburg. But here, on Cemetery Hill, those
who felt the prowess of her troops have contributed to their fame
by inscribing their deeds on imperishable tablets, which they
have erected on the highest ground and in the most conspicuous
position on this most noted battlefield of the war — a battlefield
which, by reason of the vast sums of money expended on it, is
destined to be made one of the most noted battlefields in the
world.
The tourist or traveler visiting this field in days to come, as
he goes from point to point with a well-informed guide, will
hear him, in describing the operations of the two armies on the
first day, on the second day and on the third day, make frequent
mention of the North Carolina troops.
From the point known as "The Bloody Angle" he will de-
scribe Pickett's charge, so called because General Pickett was
in command of the assaulting columns, a charge very unjustly
spoken of as " The charge of Pickett and his Virginians," to
the prejudice of troops from other States that participated in it,
among whom were several regiments of North Carolina troops,
who acted well their part, and will be duly mentioned in all
true accounts of the fight.
When they come to stand on Cemetery Hill, to which every
visitor will go, for from it nearly all the field can be pointed out
except Lee's right on the Emmettsburg road, and Meade's left
on Roundtop, the guide will point westward toward Cashtown
316 NoETH Carolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
and the Chambersburg pike, where the fighting began. North
Carolina was there.
He will then point out Seminary Ridge, beyond which the
Federal General Reynolds was killed; the railroad cut; and the
rock wall from which the Federals were driven after a most
determined stand. North Carolina was there. He will turn
towards the field on the north of the town, where Ewell's Corps
came in and where the Federal General Bartow was killed ; and
still further to the east, where Early's Division fought along
Rock Creek and near the brick-yard, and through the town.
North Carolina was all along there. Turning then directly east,
he will call attention to the monuments, two or three miles off,
which mark the place of the cavalry fighting. North Carolina
was there too. Then he will show Gulp's Hill, where General
Johnson and his men did such noble work and came so near
being successful in their efforts to turn Meade's right flank.
North Carolina was there.
And to conclude his description from this point of view, the
guide will then tell how Hays' Louisiana Brigade and Hoke's
North Carolina Brigade (then commanded by Colonel I. E.
Avery), after laying under fire all day, some of which was a ter-
rible cannonade, emerged in line of battle from the little valley
that runs through Gulp's field, and charged up the hill through
the shot and shell and grape and canister and ball that was
poured upon them by the well-posted Federals. He will point
to where Avery fell, and tell how they still came on and on,
driving back the infantry and then encountering the gunners,
who resisted even to a hand-to-hand struggle, until finally the
guns were silenced and spiked; and he will then ask that the
records of those facts may be read in the inscriptions on the
costly, durable monuments erected there by the Federal regi-
ments and batteries that were in the fight. North Carolina loas
there.
The Confederate soldier — the North Carolina Confederate
soldier — may glory in the records of Gettysburg.
In the charge on this hill, the Sixth Regiment being on the
Sixth Regiment. 317
right of the brigade, next to Hays' Brigade, was the only regi-
ment of the North Carolina brigade which went on Cemetery
Hill, towards which its advance was directed by Colonel Tate.
The other regiments of the brigade, the Twenty-first and Fifty-
seventh, being on the left, were brought up more directly against
Culp's Hill.
On the 3d day we remained in line along near the southern
edge of town. We could hear the fighting to the south of us
along the Emmettsburg road, but we were not heavily engaged
at any time during the day — only constant firing on the skirmish
line.
On the 4th we were in line along Seminary Ridge. On the
night of the 4th we could see that our army was leaving Get-
tysburg, and when day came on the 5th we found that our
brigade was again given the post of honor as the rearguard on
one of the roads by which the army was crossing the mountains
towards Hagerstown.
It is claimed that General Meade was victorious at Gettys-
burg, and in one sense he was, but it was by no means a decisive
victory.
We were all day on the 5th making the short distance be-
tween Gettysburg and the foot of the mountains, and we were
not seriously molested by any pursuit until late in the evening,
after sundown, when we were well in the mountains. The enemy
ran up on a hill in our rear and threw a few shells at us, but
when our sharp-shooters deployed and started towards him he
suddenly fell back, and we were molested no more.
We next formed our line of battle up and down the Potomac,
near Hagerstown, the river, by reason' of the continued rains,
being too deep to be forded. Here was another chance for Gen-
eral Meade, if his army was elated by his achievements at
Gettysburg.
General Lee's army remained in line ready for an expected
attack, but no attack was made. When the river became
passable the pontoons were placed, and portions of the army
318 iSfoETH Carolina Teoops, 1861-65.
crossed on the bridge, whilst others forded. "We were back into
Virginia again. The Gettj'sburg campaign was over, but many,
many noble soldiers who crossed over with us in June now failed
to answer to their names at roll-call.
After getting into Virginia we were carried back and camped
a few miles northwest of Winchester. Whilst stationed there
we were ordered to prepare for marching, and late one evening
we started westward toward the Alleghany mountains. We
marched all night, and in the morning we were at the western
base of the mountains in West Virginia, and took the roads
leading northward. The object of our expedition was to capture
some of the enemy's forces that were guarding a gap to the north
of us; but they had gotten information of our movements and
escaped, and we came back to camp.
We were soon in motion again, and were marched up the Valley
and crossed over to the eastern side of the Blue Ridge and on to the
neighborhood of Culpepper Court House and the line of the Rapi-
dan. We took part in all those movements and engagements in the
early part of October, along the Rappahannock and near Warren-
ton Springs, which led up to the disastrous engagement at Bris-
tow Station on the 14th of October.
Meade's army was falling back towards Washington, and we
were in pursuit. Our brigade had formed east and west across
the road in his rear, and we were fast closing in on him. But
General Hill struck him on the flank, near Bristow, just south
of Cedar Run, with two brigades. General Warren turned his
whole force on him and played on him with artillery that was
posted on the north side of the run. Hill's brigades were re-
pulsed with terrible loss. The eifort to cut the enemy in his
retreat had failed. We then fell back to the north side of the
Rappahannock, tearing up the railroad from Cub's Run all the
way back to Rappahannock Station.
As every thing grew quiet we were directed to prepare winter-
quarters, and did so with a hearty good-will. By the 7th of
November we were tolerably well prepared for winter; but in
Sixth Regiment. 319
the middle of the afternoon on that day the "long-roll" was
beat and we were marched about seven miles, double-quick for a
great part of the way, to Rappahannock Station.
West of the railroad bridge the river bends to the south, and
a pontoon bridge was kept across the river. On the north side
of the river there was a line of trenches, and we were hurried
over into them. There were three or four pieces of artillery on
a bluff near the river, just opposite the pontoon bridge, to our
right. There Hays' Louisiana Brigade was posted. The ene-
my's lines soon appeared in our front. Owing to some unusual
state of the atmosphere, or currents of the air, we could see him
firing at us, but could not hear the report of his guns until
he was close up to us. He seemed to know the ground,
and his heaviest attack was on our right nearest the pontoon
bridge. The conformation of the ground was such that we
could not direct our fire so as to bear upon the heavy lines that
were thrown against Hays, and he, after a gallant resistance,
was overcome, and the enemy had the battery and was in full
view of the pontoon bridge, which was then within musket-range
from him, and he had an enfilading fire on our part of the
line, which was also receiving a fire from the enemy in our front.
Our men were ordered out of the trenches to form a line to try
and retake the battery, but with the enemy advancing in our
front and the severe fire from the hill on which the battery was
situated, it was impossible to do so. No supporting troops were
coming from the south side of the river. Hays' men were re-
treating, and the enemy was pouring a deadly fire into the
stream of men who were rushing across the pontoon bridge to
the south side of the river. Our regiment and those to our left
were cut off and the river was too deep to be forded. The only
chance of escape was to run the gauntlet or swim the river. It
was getting dark. Some ran the gauntlet across the bridge;
some swam the river. The writer was one of a considerable
number who rushed across the bridge and reached the south bank
safely, whilst many who attempted it fell pierced with balls and
tumbled headlong into the river. A large portion of the brigade
320 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
was captured. The enemy was so intent on crowding our men
back into the horse-shoe bend of the river that a considerable
number, after formally throwing down their guns and being
ordered to the rear, in going back found that the bridge was
not guarded, and so slipped across to the south side. This fight,
though of short duration, was a severe one and against great
odds. We had no support or re-inforcements.
The wisdom of the generalship by which our two brigades were
placed on the north bank of a deep river to meet the advance of a
great army is not apparent. Those of us who escaped capture re-
formed our companies, and by the addition of some recruits the
regiment was intact again. But we were not permitted to go
into winter-quarters any more. We were kept moving, watching
the enemy. He was somewhat emboldened, and attempted what
was known to our men as the "Mine Run Campaign." It was
about the last of November, and the weather was bitter cold. Al-
though we were under a considerable artillery fire, and did some
heavy skirmishing between the lines of battle formed by the two
armies, yet there was no general engagement, and the enemy gave
up the movement, and on December 2d withdrew his forces to the
north side of the Rapidan again.
The^campaigns of 1863 were ended.
Early in January, 1864, we were started again and were car-
ried through Richmond and Petersburg, and thence to Garys-
burg, N. C. Our men began almost to believe the rumor that
we were being carried to North Carolina to hunt up deserters.
Unpleasant as such duty would have been, there was rejoicing
at the thought of being nearer home, and with a pathos that can- '
not be described, the men sang Gaston's glorious hymn :
"Carolina, Carolina, Heaven's blessings attend her,"
"While we live we will cherish, protect and defend her."
Taking the cars again, we headed towards Weldon, but there,
instead of going on the Gaston road, we went towards Golds-
boro and thence to Kinston. We joined in the expedition to
Sixth Eegiment. 321
New Bern, took part in the engagement at Bachelor's Creek
Bridge and formed our line in sight of the enemy's breastworks
in front of New Bern. But no attack was made. After a day
or two there, we marched back to Kinston. When we left Kins-
ton we were carried by way of Goldsboro and Rocky Mount to
Tarboro, and thence were marched hurriedly to Plymouth.
We took part in the storming of the outer works and final cap-
ture of Plymouth, April 20th. It was in this battle and whilst
storming Fort Wessels that we first had to contend with hand-gre-
nades. Whilst our men were in the ditch around the fort the enemy
threw hand-grenades quite freely, but they did not prove to be
very destructive, and the fort soon surrendered. This was about
dark on the first day, and the surrender of this fort brought
us in front of the main line of works around the town.
Early in the morning the battle was renewed all along the
line, and the' Ram "Albemarle" was brought down the river to
assist. The battle soon resulted in the capture of the town, with
a large number of prisoners and considerable stores. We then
marched on Little Washington on Tar River, but the enemy
vacated it before we got there.
Spring was now well advanced and serious work was threat-
ened in Virginia. Grant was moving on the Rapidan, and the
Petersburg & Weldon Railroad was threatened by troops on the
south side of the James. We were hurried back towards Rich-
mond, but were stopped near Belfield and Hicksford to protect
the bridges in that neighborhood for a few days. Then we were
carried to Petersburg to prevent Butler's forces from capturing
the city. Then Butler, failing to get into Petersburg, made a
heavy demonstration out from Bermuda Hundreds, threatening
the Petersburg & Richmond Railroad. We were marched over
there. Butler failed to take the railroad, and, as Grant said,
was "bottled up."
We were marched over to Richmond and northward towards
Fredericksburg, and next formed in line of battle a little to the
21
322 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
north of Hanover Junction. We were back with the army of
Northern Virginia again.
An attacii from Grant's army was hourly expected. But
there was no general engagement, only some skirmishing on our
part of the line. As General Grant swung around down the
river, we were marched so as to conform to his movements, and
keep between him and Richmond. When he got to a point
nearly north of Richmond he crossed over the Pamunkey River
and advanced directly toward the city. Our line was along the
Totapotamoi.
On Sunday evening, May 29, 1864, the writer of this sketch
had his own company and two other companies on the skirmish
line quite hotly engaged until after dark. After night-fall
everything was quiet, and early in the morning, before it was
light, we had orders to fall back to the main line. But hardly
had we gotten back to the regiment when orders were brought
to him to take the same men back to the same skirmish line and
hold it until heavily pressed by the enemy; and, as they pressed
us, to fall back to the main line. We were soon in our place,
and it was not long before the enemy came up in force in our
front and as far as we could see to our right and to our left.
We were on the north side of the creek, along the brow of the
hill ; in front of us was a level field, in our rear wa^ a valley
which had been cleared for cultivation, and the ground sloped
from our line back to the run of the creek, and then up
on the south side, which was wooded, back to the main line
on the brow of the hill. The skirmishing soon became furious
all along the line. In falling back our part of the line had to
traverse the cleared ground until we began to ascend the slope
on the south side of the creek, and the enemy, who rushed
to the brow of the hill, poured a destructive fire into us.
After we had gotten on the south side of the creek the writer,
in passing from the left to the right along the line, received a
shot in the ankle which disabled him entirely. Fearing capture,
he, without waiting for the litter-bearers, called on his men to
carry him back. Oh ! how true and good and faithful those
Sixth Regiment. 323
men had, under all circumstances, been to him. Promptly when
the call was made, three or four good soldiers of his company
lifted him and carried him back till the litter-bearers were met.
He was then carried by them to the ambulance station, and
thence to the hospital, and there, when his turn came, he was
placed on the operating-table, and when he awoke his left
foot was gone — the surgeons said amputation was necessary.
And so ended his career as an active soldier. Any further
history of the regiment is based on information derived from
other sources.
The fighting above referred to was preliminary to the great
battle of Cold Harbor on the 31st of May and on the 1st, 2d
and 3d of June, in which the Federal losses were awfully heavy.
The Confederate loss was comparatively small. The one was
reported at about twelve hundred, the other at about thirteen
thousand.
Those who eulogize General Grant have a difficult task in
vindicating the orders which caused such fearful losses in this
battle. History tells it that he ordered charge after charge, and
only desisted when his men declined to charge again.
The writer, whilst lying on his cot in the hospital in Rich-
mond, was told by the doctor in charge that s(jme of his old
comrades had come in to see him, and when he looked up he
saw that it was some of the Sixth Regiment, North Carolina
Troops, who had been wounded at Cold Harbor. They told him
of the awful slaughter of Federals in front of the Confederate
lines.
The second Cold Harbor was a decisive battle and virtually
closed the overland campaign against Richmond. General Grant
was foiled in his eifort to get between Lee and Richmond. Grant
then decided to transfer his forces to the James River.
About the 12th to 14th of June, when General Grant began
to change his base to the James, the cavalry was threatening the
line of the railroad towards Gordonsville, and Hunter was
moving up the Valley. Early's Division, to which the Sixth Regi-
ment belonged, was marched rapidly from the Chickahominy
324 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
towards Gordonsville, in which section of the country Sheridan's
Cavalry was raiding.
Hampton's Cavalry had checked Sheridan. Early's forces
pushed on through the smoking ruins that marked the line of
Sheridan's retreat, until near Gordonsville a train was met back-
ing down to carry them to Lynchburg, which place was reached
about sunrise on the morning of the 17th. Jumping off the
cars, the men were hurriedly marched up the steep streets and
out to the field west of the town, and were just in time to save
it. The cavalry of General Jackson, sometimes known as
" Mud-wall Jaokson," were being driven back by Hunter's men,
who were advancing hilariously. But consternation struck
them when they met Lee's infantry. Then followed the greatest
foot-race ever witnessed in war. Back through Liberty, Buford's
Gap, and across the Valley into and beyond the North Mountain
the despoilers ran, strewing the line of their flight with arms,
blankets, knapsacks, and even shoes and hats.
General Hunter, having retreated through West Virginia to-
ward the Ohio, General Early moved rapidly down the Valley,
the enemy falling back before him until they reached Harper's
Ferry and Maryland Heights.
On the 3d, of July General Siegel's force was driven from
Martinsburg across the Potomac at Shepherdstown. General
Early followed, moving through Hagerstown, and thence east-
ward, occupying Frederick City on the 7th. The militia that
opposed the advance were dispersed by our skirmish line. As
the army marched through Frederick the citizens tauntingly
said : " Go ahead ! You will soon meet regular soldiers." Our
men replied : " All right, they are the fellows we are hunting
for!"
Sure enough, at Monocacy Bridge, a few miles east of Frede-
rick, General Lew Wallace, since of " Ben-Hur " fame, had a large
force in position on the left bank of the river. General Early
attacked him on the 8th, forced the passage of the river and drove
General Wallace back towards Pennsylvania. That left the
Sixth Regiment. 325
road towards Washington and Baltimore open. Early promptly
set out towards Washington and arrived at Rockville on the 10th,
and on the next day his forces formed line of battle in sight of the
Capitol and within easy range of its powerful defenses. The Sixth
Regiment laid in the front yard of F. P. Blair's place, "Silver
Spring." Occasional shells Were thrown out from the big guns,
but there was no general engagement. No attack was made; the
works were too strong and to'o well garrisoned for Early's small
force. After two or three days' skirmishing Washington was aban-
doned, and the army recrossed the Potomac at White's Ford
near Leesburg, and two days afterward encamped near Berry-
ville.
Late in the evening of the next day word came that a force
of the enemy was moving from Martinsburg towards Winches-
ter. By a forced night march the brigade, General Raraseur
commanding, reached the front of that town about sunrise the next
day. Some couriers came in with reports of a very large force of
the enemy approaching. General Ramseur did not seem to think
that it was a large force. He ordered the Sixth Regiment to move
forward on the Pike road about two miles, to a piece of woods,
to meet the enemy there. After the Sixth Regiment moved off,
however, upon further information, he followed with the whole
brigade. He soon galloped up to the front and gave orders for
the formation of the line of battle. During the execution of this
order the enemy appeared in large numbers. The Sixth, having
been in advance, had just gotten into position, and had not loaded
their rifles, when the enemy began firing. It was a critical mo-
ment. The Sixth charged single-handed and fought until nearly
surrounded ; but the enemy had overpowering numbers, and
the whole brigade was outflanked, and all had to fall back to-
gether. This fight was known in that part of the army as
" Ramseur's defeat "; but it was not so spoken of him in dis-
paragement of him or his generalship, for he was as gallant a
soldier as ever lived, and he soon fell fighting nobly at Cedar
Creek.
326 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
During the remainder of the summer and fall of 1864 the
regiment was with Early, moving back and forth, up and down the
Valley, as he would drive the enemy towards the Potomac and
Harper's Ferry, and in turn be driven back up the Valley
towards Staunton, the enemy having overwhelming odds always
against us. '
About the 8th or 10th- of August, General Sheridan was
transferred from Grant's army and took command in the Valley.
Our forces under Early had fallen back to Fisher's Hill. Sheri-
dan, hearing that re-inforcements were sent to Early, commenced
retreating, and was pursued through Winchester and until he
withdrew to Harper's Ferry and Maryland Heights.
Before daylight on the morning of September 18th, while posted
in front of Winchester, Sheridan, with a force of fifty-four thous-
and attacked Early, who, according to reports, had only about seven
thousand infantry and not more than ten thousand all told. Our
line was drawn out very thin to cover the approach. The enemy
charged time and again through the open field, for we had no cover.
Yet our line was not broken until about sundown, and only then
because the cavalry was thrown around our left flank. General
Rodes, commanding the division, and General Godwin, com-
manding the brigade, were killed here.
From Winchester we fell back to Fisher's Hill, near Stras-
burg. Sheridan followed, and on the 22d attacked us again,
sending two divisions of his cavalry (he is reported to have had
ten thousand cavalrymen, splendidly armed and equipped) np the
Luray Valley to intercept, at New Market, any retreat by Early. -
In this they did not succeed. Although the battle of Fisher's
Hill went against Early, he made good his retreat to the upper
Valley and escaped Sheridan's overwhelming odds.
Having been re-inforced, Early again moved down the Valley,
and reached Cedar Creek about the 18th of October. Sheridan's
army was camped on the heights overlooking Strasburg and
Cedar Creek.
Our regiment, together with other infantry, was started about
Sixth Eegiment. 327
midnight and marched by a cow-path or trail around the end of
the Massanutton Mountain ; forded the river below the mouth
of Cedar Creek ; formed line of battle before it was good day-
light, and attacked the enemy, completely surprising him, and
soon had him, panic-stricken, flying down the Valley turnpike
towards Middletown. There he attempted to rally, but the
Confederates followed closely and his retreat was continued on
towards Newtown. The route seemed to be so complete that
the half-famished and poorly clothed men of Early's army found
the rich spoils in the captured camp and stores of the Federal
suttlers too tempting, and so many of them straggled that when
General Wright, who was in command of the Federals, reformed
his line near Newtown, and General Sheridan came riding in
from Winchester and took command, our lines were too weak to
resist their attack, and before night the Federals had regained
their camp. In this fight General Ramseur, commanding our
division, was killed. General Early halted for the night at
Fisher's Hill, and on the next day fell back further up the
Valley, towards Staunton.
The battle of Cedar Creek was about the last of the Valley
campaign. Indeed, the Valley was so devastated by General
Sheridan that our army could hardly find subsistence. During
his advances and withdrawals, according to his own dispatch to
his Government, " the whole country from the Blue Ridge to the
North Mountain had been made entirely untenable for a rebel
army. This destruction embraced the Luray galley and The
Little Fort Valley as well as the main Valley." Such cruelties
and barbarities shall ever remain as a stain upon General Sheri-
dan's character, and upon the War Department for not rebuking
him, and upon General Grant, who directed jt, and concluded
his letter to Sheridan by adding: " If the war is to last another
year, let the Shenandoah Valley remain a barren waste."
If it be asked why, in writing this short history of the Sixth
regiment, these charges of vandalism against such prominent
Federal generals are inserted, the answer is : It is part of
328 North Caeolina Teoops, 1861-65.
the history of the war, and it ought to be told until all the
people should know it. The Sixth North Carolina Regiment,
with all Early's troops, had witnessed this devastation ; they
had been marching through this barren waste; they were tired
and hungry too when they were roused up on the night of the
18th, and after marching all night over a rugged road and fight-
ing so well on the morning of the 18th, it is easy to understand
how, when tbey saw the enemy flying down the Valley pike,
many of the hungriest ones turned aside to help themselves out
of the rich commissary stores that they had captured. They
ought not to have done so, but some of them did; and Early's
force was so small, reported at only nine thousand men all told,
that, counting out the killed aud wounded and the stragglers, it is
not surprising that Sheridan was able to drive back those remain-
ing in line. No one but those who have tried it can tell how hard
it is to restrain hungry men when in sight of the food they
crave. But in all these engagements and reverses the Sixth regi-
ment maintained its organization and was able to show its colors
after every fight.
Towards the close of the fall the Sixth Regiment, together
with the remaining troops of Ramseur's and Rodes' Divisions,
were placed under General Gordon and sent. back to Petersburg.
The Sixth Regiment occupied the line of intrenchments opposite
the "Tall Tower" until January, 1865, when it was carried to
the right, near Burgess's Mill and Hatcher's' Run.
The enemy made a determined effort to turn the Confederate
right about the 5th to 6th of February. The Sixth Regiment
was heavily engaged in the attempt to beat him back. In this
fighting General Pegram, commanding our division, was killed.
General Grant was trying to get to the South Side Railroad; he
failed in this, but he secured an extension of his lines to Hatch-
er's Run. Fighting was now going on constantly oii the out-
posts and picket lines.
Soon after the battle of Hatcher's Run the Sixth Regiment was
carried back again through Petersburg to the trenches opposite
Sixth Regiment. 329
Fort Steadman. There it remained in the mud, as mauy of
them expressed it, holding this part of the line until the 25th
of March.
Before day, on the 25th of March, the Sixth Regiment and
other troops were ordered to move out noiselessly in front of the
trenches, and to dash across the narrow space that divided the
two armies (not more than one hundred and fifty yards); men
with axes were to cut and tear away the abatis ; and as soon as
it could be done, the men were to rush in, capture the fort and
the lines to the right and left. That the men might know their
friends, each man of the attacking force was to have a piece of
white cloth tied around his left arm. This looked like a des-
perate attack. The Sixth Regiment and other troops immedi-
ately in front of Fort Steadman, the lines being nearest together
there, were to lead. They did what they were ordered to do,
and, perhaps to the surprise of our own people, and certainly to
the surprise of the enemy, it worked well for a while. Every
one did his part. The abatis was cut and pulled away in short
order. The men rushed through, captured Fort Steadman and bat-
teries to the right and- left of it. A large number of prisoners
were taken and several pieces of artillery. The troops that were
to support this movement on the right, towards Fort Haskell,
did not succeed so well, and failed to capture it. Daylight soon
came; the Federals recovered from their surprise and turned
upon us their artillery, whiqh, together with the massed lines of
infantry, made it, to use the words of one of the Sixth Regiment,
a very hell for us.
It soon became evident that the position was untenable. The
supporting troops were being withdrawn. The Sixth Regiment
had, in desperation, been charged against a mass of infantry
coming up in their front, and they were the last to withdraw.
They returned to their ditches under a severe cross-fire — more
to be dreaded than any forward movement; but, to use the
language of one who was there, "they came back leaving none but
their dead."
330 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Within a few days Lee's army was compelled to abandon
Petersburg. The battle at Five Forks was lost on April 1st, and
at day-break on Sunday, April 2d, the Confederate line in front of
Petersburg was broken and the Federal artillery opened all along
our front. When night came the Confederates, although ground
had been lost, were still holding Petersburg, but the evacuation of
the city, and, as a consequence, of Richmond also, had been deter-
mined on. That night the army withdrew, and whilst fires were
blazing up here and there, and heavy explosions which shook the
very ground followed each other in rapid succession along the Con-
federate lines from Petersburg to Richmond, the Federals failed to
move forward to ascertain the cause; and by daylight of the 3d
the Confederates were all on the Chesterfield side, and well away
from the two cities, on the roads towards Amelia Court House.
In the almost continued movements, fightings and skirmish-
ings of the next few days the regiment bore its part with Gor-
don's Corps. Hoping to find at Amelia Court House commis-
sary stores, the troops, having then been without rations for
nearly two days, were told that no rations were there. The for-
agers who were sent out to seek supplies -returned with almost
nothing. Many of them were captured in their search for food.
The road to Burkeville was occupied by -the enemy, and the
retreat bore further to the north through Deatousville, and thence
toward Farmville. The enemy's cavalry was striking all along
the retreating line, sometimes repulsed and sometimes capturing
artillery and wagons which the horses were too weak to move
with any degree of rapidity.
On the 6th the Appomattox was crossed at the High Bridge.
On the morning of the 7th a sharp attack was made and a rush
made for the Confederate wagon train. General Gordon turned
on them and compelled them to withdraw, capturing some pris-
oners. The retreat was then continued.
On the evening of the 8th Appomattox Court House was
reached. It was then an insignificant court-house village. It
is now an historic place, for there, on the 9th of April, 1866,
the Amy of Northern Virginia ceased to contend with the armies
Sixth Eegimbnt. 331
of the United States, and General Lee on that day accepted the
ter^s of surrender offered by Generial Grant. Having men-
tioned General Grant's inhumane directions to General Sheridan
in the fall of 1864 to devastate the Valley, it is a pleasure now
to note that the terms of surrender were generous; and he is to
be commended, in that afterwards, when blood-thirsty civilians
were disposed to disregard them, he insisted that his Government
should comply with them, and used his power and influence to
that end.
A flag of truce appeared on Gordon's line. General Lee
was seen riding back to the village, and it was soon known
all along the line that the army was to be surrendered. When
General Lee returned from his interview with General Grant,
the lines of battle broke and the men crowded up around
him, anxious to take him by the hand. Many attempts have
been made to describe the great soldier's final farewell to his
troops as, overpowered by his feelings, he sobbed: " Men, loe have
fought through the war together — / have done the best I could for
you," and sadly rode away. The emotions of that scene — a great
general and his brave, faithful soldiers weeping farewell to each
other — cannot be described.
The soldier-victors were generous and gave rations to the half-
starved Confederates without any insulting taunts. Would that
the same could be said of the political victors who controlled
affairs at Washington.
The 10th and 11th were occupied in preparing the lists and
schedules and other papers for the surrender, and on the morn-
ing of the 12th the troops, the remains of the Army of North-
ern Virginia, formed for the last time. The artillery was drawn
up by poor, bony horses and parked, the arms were stacked, the
accoutrements deposited and the battle flags laid down.
The Sixth Regiment was there, and of the perhaps two thou-
sand men whose names had been on the roll, about one hundred
and forty-three answered to that final roll-call.
We had a regimental flag, a beautiful silken banner, on which
the sister of Colonel Fisher had beautifully embroidered the coat-
332 North Carolina Troops, 1861 -'65.
of-arms of North Carolina and presented it to the regiment at
its organization. It was highly prized ; it waved over the regi-
ment at the capture of Eickett's Battery at First Manassas, and
over Eickett's Battery and Weidrick's Battery on Cemetery
Heights at Gettysburg, July 2d, 1863. It was not always used
in battle, especially after battle flags had been distributed to the
army. It was generally brought out on parades and general
reviews; but it was not displayed at Appomattox. It was care-
fully preserved and brought to North Carolina. It is the same
that was shown at the laying of the corner-stone of the Confed-
erate Monument at Raleigh, May 20, 1894.
The war was over; the Sixth Eegiment had served out the
time for which it had enlisted.
I have thus briefly sketched the principal movements and
engagements in the Confederate war in which the Sixth North
Carolina State Troops took part. As an organization it was dis-
tinguished for its discipline and soldierly bearing. It was led
to the field by one of the most heroic souls that ever drew blade,
Colonel C. F. Fisher, who was killed at First Manassas. The
example he set in his short career was not lost on the officers and
men of his command. They were taught that, when ordered to
charge a line or battery they must succeed, and that having taken
a position it was to be held until they were ordered to move from
it. No politicians held commissions in this regiment. There
was no bickering or scheming for office or promotion, no seeking
for newspaper notoriety. Their thought and desire seemed to
be to serve the State that sent them to the field for the purpose
of sustaining State rights and constitutional liberty.
Nothing has been written concerning "the privations of the
camp or toils of the march," of feet bleeding and forms shiver-
ing for lack of shoes and clothing, of how our men, beginning
at First Manassas, supplied themselves with improved arms cap-
tured from the enemy, seeking first to get a good rifle and accou-
trements and then the best they could find in the way of cloth-
ing, hats, shoes and blankets.
But the soldier's life was not all hardship and suffering for
Sixth Regiment. 333
duty's sake. It would be interesting to tell how they whiled
away the hours when not on duty by games and plays, and even
theatrical performances which they improvised. Banjos, fiddles
and accordeons were often heard in camp and on the march, and
sometimes on the line of battle. Many and many are the humor-
ous jokes and anecdotes that originated with the soldier, and he
always enjoyed the ludicrous and ridiculous things that ^ere
happening, even when under the fire of the enemy. One of my
men, telling what he saw in one of our battles, says: "I tell you,
Captain, there's a heap of funny things happens in battle if it
were not for being so scared of getting killed."
Much, too, might be written of the religious life that many
of them led. Several instances occurred within our command
in which the Bible or Testament in the breast-pocket turned the
ball which otherwise would probably have caused a mortal wound.
So, too, we can hope that at religious meetings in field and camp —
camp-meetings, indeed — many a soldier learned how to turn the
deadly shafts of sin. One specially solemn scene recurs to me
as I write. It was when the regiment assembled at the regi-
mental headquarters. Colonel Pender's tent, to witness his public
profession of Christianity.
I have spoken of it only as a regiment; no mention is made
of individual acts of heroism or bravery — there were many ; the
limits of this article would not permit it; nor is there any refer-
ence to the few who behaved unworthily — and I feel justified in
saying there were only a few. It would be unreasonable to claim
that, of the two thousand men whose names were on the rolls,
all were good and true.
No boast is made for the regiment that it did more than its
proportionate part, or that it engaged in more battles, or that
it went further into the enemy's country, or that it lost in
battle a greater per cent, of its men — a doubtful boast.
Its record was made and must speak for itself. The only
purpose of this sketch is to bring that record, in part, before the
public, that it may have in condensed form what this regi-
ment, in common with many others, did in the great struggle
334 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
which made the Confederate soldier famous for all time — a struggle
in which a most conspicuous part was borne by the North Caro-
lina troops, not the least among which was the Sixth North
Carolina Troops.
At the first call her men volunteered for the war, and has-
tened to the Northern border of Virginia to meet the enemy at
the forefront. From July, 1861, to the closing scene at Appo-
mattox, they shared the fortunes of the Army of Northern Vir-
ginia, Their blood, in common with thousands of others, wet
the soil of Manassas Plains on July 21st, 1861. During the fall
and winter of that year they listened to the roar of guns and
whistling of shells along the banks of the Potomac.
They were at Yorktown and Eltham's Landing, Barhanis-
ville, at Seven Pines and Fair Oaks, Gaines' Mill, Savage Sta-
tion, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Harrison's Landing,
Warrenton Springs, Thoroughfare Gap, Manassas Plains in Au-
gust, 1862; at Ox Hill, Boonsboro, Sharpsburg, Fredericks-
burg in December, 1862; at Fredericksburg and the Wilderness in
May, 1863; at Winchester in June, 1863; at Gettysburg, Hagers-
town, Bristow Station, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run, Bache-
lor's Creek, near New Bern, N. C; Plymouth, Petersburg, Han-
over Junction, Totapotamoi Creek, Cold Harbor, Lynchburg,
Martihsburg, Monocacy, Washington, Winchester in July and
September, 1864; at Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, at Burgess's
Mill, and numerous other skirmishings and fightings from July,
1861, to November, 1864; and the assault, as a forlorn-hope, on
Fort Steadman on the morning of the 25th of March, 1865, and
in the trenches at Petersburg, and on the retreat to Appomattox.
Three times they went into the enemy's territory in Maryland
and Pennsylvania, fording the Potomac six times.
Theirs was not garrison or post-duty; it was their lot to fight
the enemy in the field, to meet him in his advances, to check
him when possible, and to follow him back and fight him
in his own country and in his own strongholds; to contest inch
by inch, day after day, week after week and month after month,
the enemy's investment and gradual closing in on the lines
Sixth Eegiment. 335
around Petersburg and Richmond ; and when numbers prevailed
over the thinned and thinning lines of the Army of Northern
Virginia, to fall back and back with them, until finally hemmed
in and compelled to surrender.
Much of blood and treasure and many precious lives had been
sacrificed, and, as it has been said, the cause was lost; that is to
say, the Confederates, numbering all told, from first to last, about
six hundred thousand men, with very limited resources, were,
after four years of varying success and disaster, finally over-
powered by armies numbering about two million and six hun-
dred thousand men who had unlimited resources. But the prin-
ciples of right, of truth and of duty, which urged those men to
the fray, and sustained them in the long-drawn struggle, will
never die.
" If their memories part
From our land and heart,
'Twould be a wrong to them, and a shame for us."
It is vain for any one to attempt to brand the Confederate
soldiers or their leaders as traitors or to write them down as
rebels. So-called statesmen — men of place and power, in the
smallness of their souls — may speak of them as such ; demagogic
politicians may roll such words under their tongues, the Govern-
ment may provide a place to keep the " Rebellion Records," and
statisticians may compile therefrom, monuments may dot those
battlefields of " the rebellion " on which the " rebels " were
defeated, but such efforts cannot succeed. The words " traitor "
and " rebel " lose all their repulsiveness when applied to Lee
and Jackson, or when coupled with the Confederate soldiers.
Theirs was an heroic struggle for rights which the fathers
contemplated and guarded when they declined to ratify or adopt
the Constitution until it had been amended so as to expressly
reserve " to the States respectively or to the people " "powers not
delegated," as also "powers not prohibited " by it. For such rights
they had, on the hustings and in the halls of CougresSj urged
their plea, supported by unanswerable arguments based on the
336 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Constitution and on the principles that underlie true republican
government. But they were overruled by a majority of those
who had sworn to support the Constitution, and further encroach-
ments on their chartered rights were imminent, and, as a last
resort, an appeal was made to arms. In that, as we have seen,
Might, backed by overwhelming numbers, prevailed. The Con-
federate soldier surrendered. His case is before the world.
The rights which were guaranteed us, and the wrongs which
drove us to war, have all been written down and published ;
his heroism and his bravery, his courage and his devotion to his
country, his State and his people, are all recorded in his deeds in
four years of war; and, none the less,. in his submission after-
terwards to laws that were forced upon us to humiliate us.
His rights, his wrongs, his appeals to law and law-makers, and
their denial of his rights, his final appeal to arms, his struggle,
his defeat and his submission to power make up his case. He
dreads not the scrutiny of candid historians or searchers after
truth, nor does he fear the world's judgment on his record.
Neill W. E,ay.
Faybtteville, N. C.
SIXTH REGIMENT.
1. B. F. White, Captain, Co. F. 4. W. G. Tiirnei-, 2d Lieat, Co. E.
S. Benj Ruel. Smith, Captain, Co. G. 5. William Preston Mangum, 2d Lieut.,
3. N. W. Ray, Captain, Co. D. co. B.
6. George W. Houck, Private, Co. D.
ADDITIONAL SKETCH SIXTH REGIMENT.
By major a. C. AVERY.
ACCOUNT OP THE ORGANIZATION OP THE SIXTH NORTH CARO-
LINA REGIMENT AND OP ITS CONDUCT AT THE BATTLES
OP PIRST MANASSAS, SEVEN PINES AND GETTYSBURG.
Wheu Lincoln issued his proclamation calling on the State of
North Carolina to furnish troops to suppress the so-called insur-
rection in her sister States of the South, our people with one
mind united in the determination to stand by our South-
ern brethren rather than aid an invading foe, though marching
under the flag of the nation. So soon as the tocsin of war was
sounded the companies of the State militia, already organized
and drilled, were rushed into the forts on our coast, till then garri-
soned by a single non-commissioned officer quartered in each of
the three. The first regiment organized was the First Volunteer
or " Bethel" Regiment. The men were allowed to enlist for six
months. After that a number of other regiments were formed
of men enlisted for twelve months.
Meantime the Legislature had met in extra session and had
called a convention of the people to meet in May. Colonel
Charles F. Fisher and others — men of broad views and cool
heads — thinking that they foresaw a protracted and bloody
struggle, prevailed upon the Legislature to pass a bill author-
izing the formation of ten regiments of men enlisted for three
years or the war, and empowered the Governor to appoint the
regimental staff and company officers. Colonel Fisher was se-
lected by Governor Ellis as Colonel of the Sixth, and began
with characteristic energy to select men to aid him in recruiting
ten companies.
After the Democrats had acquired control of the State, he had
22
338 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
been elected President of the North Carolina Railroad Company,
Partisan spirit ran high, and for years, though one of the most
competent, honoi;able and successful railroad presidents in the
country. Colonel Fisher was bitterly abused and denounced. He
met denunciation in one or two instances, as Southern men of
that day often did, by challenging the author to mortal combat,
and posting him as a coward when he declined to make amends.
He was one of the most amiable of men, and, though quiet and
undemonstrative, was affectionate to family and friends, and full
of sympathy for suffering — the last man one would have thought
liable to yield to this imperious custom of the times. With a
grim determination to devote life and fortune to the cause he
had espoused came the resolve to demand an investigation and
settlement running through his entire administration of the af-
fairs of the railroad company before leading his regiijnent to the
scene of approaching conflicts. Consequently, after some of the
companies were drilled for a time at Charlotte, all of them were
brought together, organized and drilled as a regiment at Com-
pany Shops, now Burlington. Honorable W. T. Dortch was
first appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, and Charles E. Lightfoot, a
Virginian, who had been a teacher at Tew's Military Academy
at Hillsboro, was commissioned as Major. Major Lightfoot
devoted himself to drilling the regiment while it was at Com-
pany Shops. Colonel Fisher worked day and night, and divided
his time between providing uniforms and equipments for his
men, advancing out of his own means the money needed for the
purpose, and reviewing, with a committee of directors, of which
Mr. Edwin Holt was chairman, the railroad accounts during his
administration of the affairs of the company.
As the result of his restless energy, liberality and capacity for
organization, the Sixth was the first of the ten war regiments
ready for the field. Before it was fully equipped he was heard
often to say, in response to some expression of fear by the young
officers that they would be too late to participate in the struggle,
that our people ought to be educated up to the idea of fighting
long and desperately. He had graduated at Yale, knew the
Sixth Regiment. 339
Yankee character, and realized, as few of our leading men did,
the incalculable advantage of having a navy sufficient to block-
ade our ports, and opportunity not 6nly to ^manufacture war
supplies in the immense establishments in the Eastern States,
but to bring them without hindrance from abroad.
On the day that Colonel Fisher reported his regiment ready
to go to the front, our first war Governor, John W. Ellis, died,
and the regiment commanded by his friend and townsman was
taken to Raleigh to act as funeral escort. Honorable Henry T.
Clark, being Speaker of the Senate, was ioaugurated as Gov-
ernor, and W. T. Dortch, being the Speaker of the House of
Commons, and next in the line of succession to Governor Clark,
was induced to resign. Major Lightfoot became Lieutenant-
Colonel, and Captain R. F. Webb, senior Captain, was commis-
sioned Major.
From Raleigh the regiment was sent to Richmond, where it
was reviewed by President Davis, accompanied by General R.
E. Lee, and ordered on the same day to embark on the train
for Winchester, where Joseph E. Johnston was in command —
with Jackson, Kirby Smith and Bee as subordinates. The
regiment left Richmond with rations for a day only, and failed
to get supplies in passing Manassas. Consequently at Strasburg
and on the first march thence to Winchester the men for the
first time had a foretaste of the privations in store for them
during the years that were to follow. Except the two mountain
companies (D and E), the men were without food from the time
they reached Strasburg till the second morning after, when they
had taken their place in the line north of Winchester. The
regiment was assigned to Bee's Brigade, composed then of the
Second and Eleventh Mississippi, the Fourth Alabama and the
First Tennessee Regiments. The names of the officers are given in
Volume I, page 1 97, of the "Roster of North Carolina Troops," and
need not be inserted here. Colonel Fisher had R. M. McKinney
commissioned Captain of Company A, and the writer of this
First Lieutenant, but Captain McKinney was elected Colonel of
the Fifteenth North Carolina Regiment before a vacancy occurred
340 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
amongst the field officers, and the writer exchanged with Lieu-
tenant Samuel S. Kirkland and took the same position in Com-
pany E, in order to satisfy the men recruited by him.
On the second morning after the regiment arrived at Win-
chester drums began to beat, brigade after brigade fell into line
and marched into the town of Winchester. All day we could
bear the terrific old rebel yell as the men passed through the open
field beyond the town ; but it was not till near night that we
moved under orders to the same point, and were halted to hear
for the first time a battle order, full of the Napoleonic ring.
General Johnston announced, by having this order read to each
regiment as it passed, that the President had called upon him to
make a forced march to re-inforce General Beauregard at Ma-
nassas, and save the country. The men forgot for the time the
pangs of hunger and the sting of blistered feet, and moved off
as if willing to run to the relief of their threatened comrades.
The raw recruit never forgets, though he may not be able to de-
scribe, the suffering endured in undergoing, the tortures of such
a hardening process, so soon after enjoying the ease and luxury
of home-life. It is the first test of his powers of physical en-
durance, his strength of will and of constitution. After such
an experience comes the camp fevers, invited by the depleted
condition of the system, and then is witnessed in a physical
sense the survival of the fittest. The regiment arrived at Pied-
mont Station a short time before daylight, and the men fell rather
than laid down amongst the thickly stacked shocks of a wheat
field just harvested. We had not then begun to practice the
apostolic plan of rubbing out the wheat for food, but some of
us stretched on a hill-side upon shocks used as beds, covering
head and all, and found in the morning that a heavy rain had
washed out trenches under us and between the bundles.
on to MANASSAS.
The regiment had marched near the rear of the column and had
separated from Bee's other regiments, and, as we rested in the field,
it seemed for a time that we would be the last to embark on the
Sixth Regiment. 341
train from Piedmont Station for the scene of conflict. In vol-
unteering to render an important service, Colonel Fisher won for
his regiment the right to a place in advance of Kirby Smith's
Brigade, and the opportunity, which proved fatal to him, to take
part in the iirst great battle of the civil war. It was reported
to him that a train had been derailed, a portion of it wrecked,
and that the movements of the remaining regiments wouJd be
greatly delayed. He sought the senior officer and told him that
he himself was a railroad president and a railroad contractor,
and had in his command civil engineers and enlisted men who
had been employed in track-laying and section work. As a
reward for hurriedly putting the track in order, the Sixth em-
barked on the next train that left for Manassas.
The first Confederate troops that opposed McDowell's flank-
ing column, after it crossed Bull Run on the left of our line,
was the command of Colonel Evans, composed of eleven com-
panies of infantry and two field pieces, stationed in the woods,
near the intersection of the Warrenton turnpike and the Sedley
road. (See report of General Johnston, "Official Records," Series
I, Volume XT, page 474). " Here (says the report referred to)
he (Evans) was attacked by the enemy in immensely superior
numbers, against which he maintained himself with skill and
unshrinking courage. General Bee, moving toward the enemy,
guided by the firing, with a soldier's eye selected the position
near the Henry house and formed his troops upon it. They
were the Seventh and Eighth Georgia, Fourth Alabama, Second
Mississippi, and two companies of the Eleventh Mississippi,
with Iraboden's Battery. Being compelled, however, to sustain
Colonel Evans, he crossed the valley and formed on the right
and somewhat in advance of his position. Here the joint forces,
little exceeding five regiments, with six field pieces, held the
ground against about fifteen thousand United States troops for
about an hour, until, finding themselves outflanked by the con-
tinually arriving troops of the enemy, they fell back to General
Bee's first position, upon the line of which Jackson, just ar-
riving, formed his brigade at Stanard's Battery. Colonel Hamp-
342 NoETH Caeolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
ton, who had by this time advanced with his legion as far as the
turnpike, rendered efficient aid in maintaining the orderly char-
acter of the retreat from that point, and here fell the gallant
Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, his second in command. * *
"Orders were dispatched to hasten the march of General Holmes,
Colonel Early and General Bonham's regiments. * * *
Many of the broken troops, fragments of companies and indi-
vidual stragglers were reformed and brought into action with the
aid of my staff and a portion of General Beauregard's. Colonel
(late Governor) Smith with his battalion and Colonel Hinton
with his regiment were ordered up to re-inforce the right. * *
* * Colonel Smith's cheerful courage had a fine influence, not
only upon the spirit of our men, but upon the stragglers of the
troops engaged. * * * '^y headquarters were now estab-
lished at the Lewis house."
Up to this time the Sixth North Carolina Regiment, having
been detached and left behind the rest of Bee's command, which
was now increased by the addition ofBartow's and another Georgia
regiment, had not arrived on the field. Attention is here called
to the fact that General Johnston reports Colonel (late Governor)
Smith's Battalion in action while he was in the field, and before
he established his headquarters at the Lewis house. General
Johnston's report of the movements of Colonel Smith, and of the
time when he engaged the enemy is quoted from to show, in
connection with other undisputed facts, that the gallant old soldier
was mistaken when he made certain charges against the Sixth,
which are alluded to by Professor Hill in his history of North
Carolina troops recently published. I shall rely on the foregoing
report of General Johnston, General Beauregard's and Colonel
Smith's own report, made when the smoke of the battle had just
passed away, to disprove his statement made from memory years
afterward?, and published in the Century Magazine.
It was not until about two o'clock in the afternoon that Colonel
Fisher reported with his regiment at the Lewis house, after Gen-
eral Johnston had left Colonel Smith upon the field and estab-
lished his headquarters there. Colonel Fisher halted his regi-
Sixth Regiment. 343
ment in a road running along a line of fence under the hill from
the Lewis house, and had his horse crippled so as to force him
to dismount in going up the hill or returning from the Lewis
house, where he reported for orders.
In confirmation of the foregoing statement as to the time of
the arrival on the field, the following extract from General
Johnston's report (at page 476) is relied on :
"About two o'clock an officer of General Beauregard's Adju-
tant-General's office galloped from Manassas to report that a
United States army had reached the line of the Manassas Gap
Railroad, was marching towards us, and was then but three miles
from our left flank. * * * Within a half-hour the two
regiments of General Bonham's Brigade (Capp's and Kershaw's)
came up and were directed against the enemy's right, which he
seemed to be strengthening. Fisher's North Carolina regiment
was soon after sent in the same direction. About three o'clock,
while the enemy seemed to be striving to outflank and drive
back our left, and thus separate us from Manassas, General E. K.
Smith arrived with three regiments of Elzey's Brigade. He was
instructed to attack the right flank of the enemy, now exposed to
us. Before the movement was completed he fell severely
wounded. Colonel Elzey, at once taking command, executed it
with great promptitude and vigor. General Beauregard rapidly
seized the opportunity affijrded him, and threw forward his whole
line. The enemy was driven back from the long contested hill,
and victory was no longer doubtful."
The time of Fisher's arrival on the battlefield is therefore fixed
at two o'clock in the afternoon. The regiment advanced from a
point a few hundred yards to the left of the Lewis house. Col-
onel Fisher had reconnoitered in our front and his evident pur-
pose was to lead us by the flank up a deep ravine, which could
not be seen on account of intervening woods, by Rickett, who
was in command of a section of Sherman's Battery, or by the
Brooklyn Zouaves, who were supporting it, and who were sta-
tioned on the hill above the upper end of the ravine. The regi-
ment moved up this ravine by the flank. When the column
344 NoBTH Carolina Tkoops, 1861-'65.
reached a point near the upper end of the ravine, however, the
enemy on the hill discovered its approach and opened with shrap-
nel from the field pieces which had previously been shelling the
hill near the Lewis house, but they were unable to depress their
guns so as to reach us with the shrapnel, even after the regiment
moved out of the gulley. Instead of moving forward into line
all of the rear companies, a movement that might have been
contemplated by Colonel Fisher but for the fire of the enemy,
the men in front filed to the right and those nearer the center,
including most of seven companies, moved forward into line
without orders through a piece of woods till they came into
an open field about eighty yards from the guns and the sup-
porting line. Three companies (A, C and D), with a portion of
a third company, with whom Lieutenant-Colonel Lightfoot re-
mained, did not go into action, being cut oif in the rear (see Cap-
tain White's diary). Lieutenant-Colonel Lightfoot took offense be-
cause Colonel Fisher refused his request to allow him to give the
commands to the regiment about the time it advanced towards the
enemy. The soldiers delivered a well-aimed and fearfully de-
structive fire into the line of the enemy's infantry, but especially
into the artillerists. After firing a number of rounds, every
soldier loading and firing at will, the enemy's guns were silenced,
and but few muskets were being fired by the Zouaves. At this
juncture Colonel Fisher was standing near Captain Isaac E.
Avery, who was commanding the color company, when Captain
Avery said to Colonel Fisher: "Colonel, don't you thiqk we
ought to charge?" Colonel Fisher's reply was "Yes, Captain,"
and addressing the men, " Charge ! " Most of us charged straight
up the face of the hill towards the field pieces, but Colonel
Fisher, after giving this command, his last utterance, advanced
obliquely towards the left, having discovered evidently at this
early stage a reserve line of the enemy in the woods to the right
and rear of the battery. In the rush his movements were unob-
served and his body was found far in advance' of the point reached
by any one on the left of our line, except Sergeant Hannah, of
Sixth Regiment. 345
Company A, who evidently advanced with him and fell by his
side.
When we reached Rickett's guns we found every horse killed
and the ground covered with the bodies of the dead and wounded
artillerists, and of the Brooklyn Zouaves, who were distinguished
by their loose red pants. The writer distinctly recalls the fact
that he saw upon the hill after the charge Major "Webb, Lieuten-
ant (afterwards Captain) White, Captain Avery and his Lieu-
tenants, Burns and McPherson, Captain (afterwards Colonel)
Craige, Lieutenants Smith and Roseboro, Captain Parrish, Lieu-
tenant Lockhart, and more distinctly his old college friend, Lieu-
tenant Willie P. Mangum, who about five minutes later received
a wound in the side which proved fatal.
The men fought as brave Southern men, who had been drilled
but a few weeks, would be expected to fight. They failed to
keep a perfect alignment in distinct companies. The fact is re-
called that Lieutenant Mangum, whose company (Bj was next
in line to his (E), remarked to the writer that he was tired, and
sat down beside or under the shadow of one of the deserted guns.
About the same time Corporal Henry McGee, of Company E,
was seen running down through the open field directly in rear of
the guns, evidently shooting at some retreating Zouaves, when,
after being called back, he reached the guns, he asked an officer
where his brother was, and, on being told that he was near by,
said : " If he had run like some of the skulkers, I would have
felt like killing him."
After the regiment had driven back the supports and captured
the guns, a fire was opened on the men from the woods on the
right and rear of the battery by soldiers dressed in gray uniform,
and our men began to return the fire with spirit. At this junc-
ture a number of the officers ordered the men to cease firing,
telling them that they were firing on their friends, and called to
the soldiers in the woods to cease firing; but the firing became
heavier, and when no longer allowed to return it, the soldiers of
the Sixth fell back and reformed in the open field from which
Colonel Fisher had led them into the ravine. Here they missed
346 NoKTH Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
their brave Colonel, *and after they had reformed they were
joined by Lieutenant-Colonel Lightfoot, who assumed command,
and was ordered to move further to the left. We occupied our
place in line in time to see the advance of Kirby Smith and Early
on the left, and to observe from the hill the wavering of the
Federal army as its line receded for a while in a series of curves,
and finally broke and stampeded towards Center ville. We saw
President Davis ride up to the lines and heard him speak, and
then we moved forward till we were halted, at dark or afterward,
in the midst of the knapsacks and guns strewn along the line of
retreat.
For many years the writer shared in the opinion generally
entertained by the soldiers of the Sixth, who participated in the
fight, that the men who fired upon us, and caused us to fall back,
were Confederates ; but the story was not credited by the general
officers, who could locate none of our troops in the skirt of woods
referred to, and the rfegimental officers and men received no
sympathy or assistance from Colonel Lightfoot, who had refused
to follow Colonel Fisher in a fit of jealousy, and did not pretend
to claim for the regiment the credit it deserved. It was because
of the general criticism of his conduct that Governor Clark
appointed Colonel W. D. Pender (afterwards Major- General) to
succeed Colonel Fisher. When General Sherman wrote his
memoirs it appeared from his report that a Massachusetts regi-
ment in his brigade wore a gray uniform, and were mistaken by
Confederates for their own men. He describes their position as
that of the soldiers who occupied the woods to the left and front
of the Sixth. The account given by General Sherman is the
solution of what before had seemed an inexplicable mystery.
We were fired upon by a regiment of the enemy, and not by
Confederates.
GOVERNOR smith's MISTAKE.
Governor Smith went into the field as Colonel of the Forty-
ninth Virginia, and no politician who entered the Confederate
service won or deserved to win, from first to last, a better reputa-
Sixth Regiment. 347
tion for gallantry than he. He drew General D. H. Hill to
him at Seven Pines by giving a unique evidence of his coolness —
going into action at the head of his brigade with a large
umbrella hoisted to protect him from the sun. With this preface,
the writer proposes to prove by reports of Generals Beauregard,
Johnston, and of Colonel Smith himself, that he shamefully mis-
represented the Sixth Regiment in charging it with bad conduct
at Manassas.
We have seen that General Johnston reported the Sixth as
going into battle after two o'clock, and after he had left Colonel
Smith engaging the enemy, and had gone to the Lewis house.
General Beauregard in his report (Official Records, Series I,
Vol. II, pages 492 and 493) speaks of the line of battle as
formed on the right by Bee, Evans and Jackson's Brigades
(with artillery etc.) and "on the left by Gartrell's reduced ranks
and Colonel Smith's Battalion, subsequently re-inforoed by Falk-
ner's Second Mississippi Regiment of the Army of the Shenandoah,
just arrived upon the field, and the Sixth (Fisher's) North Caro-
lina."
It will not be questioned that General Beauregard knew what
regiments "subsequently re-inforced " Colonel Smith's Battalion,
as he said he did, and his account of the time of arrival of the
Sixth and its going into action is corroborated by the extracts
from General Johnston's report already given.
What did Colonel Smith report to General Beauregard only
ten days after the battle as to the conduct of the regiments sent
to re-inforce him? On pages 155 and 552 of the volume con-
taining Beauregard's report, already referred to, we find Colonel
Smith's report, and on page 552, after mentioning the advance
of a heavy column of the enemy that was about lo turn his left
flank, he said :
"At this critical moment two regiments came up, posted them-
selves on my left, protected my flank, and opened upon the
enemy at a distance of about eighty yards with admirable effect.
I do not know the names of these regiments nor 'of their command-
ing officers, and have to regret it, a^s it would afford me pleasure to
348 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
name them, on account of the critical and efficient service rendered.
From some persons acquainted with those regiments, I ascer-
tained that one was from Mississippi, and I have an impression
that the other was frcm, North Carolina."
Governor Smith's report, made ten days after the battle, con-
curs with the report of Beauregard and Johnston, and with the
account given above by the writer, as to the time and place, and
as to distance of the enemy from the Sixth Eegiment. In
further corroboration of the claim that General Beauregard was
not mistaken as to the identity of the regiment which rendered
Colonel Smith such signal service, it may be stated that the
Sixth was the only North Carolina regiment engaged or sta-
tioned on the part of the line referred to. The Fifth and
Twenty-first were the only other North Carolina regiments in
Northern Virginia, and they were stationed on Bull Run, on the
right of the line — some distance from the hill in front of the
Lewis house. It is to be regretted that the attention of the old
hero was not called to the cruel wrong he had done at a later
date to the comrades whom he wished in 1861 to thank and to
honor for saving him from retreat or ruin.
If further evidence is needed to prove, not only that Fisher's
regiment was not stampeded, but that it rendered service quite
as important as that of Colonel Smith's Battalion, it will be
found in the report of Adjutant- General Rhett, on page 569 of
the volume already referred to, that the Sixth was among the
regiments engaged in the fight, and his report of casualties, on
page 570, which shows that the loss of the Sixth was one officer
and twenty-two men killed and four officers and forty-six en-
listed men wounded, and the loss of the Second Mississippi was
four officers and twenty-one men killed, and three officers and
seventy-nine men wounded, while the loss of the Forty-ninth
Virginia (Colonel Smith) was one officer and nine men killed
and one officer and twenty-nine men wounded. So it appears
that both of the re-inforcing regiments suffered greater loss than
the regiment they relieved. Of the four officers reported
wounded, the writer recalls only the names of Lieutenant W.
Sixth Eegiment. 349
P. Mangum, who afterwards died, and Captain I. E. Avery,
who received a flesh wound from a buckshot, which lodged in
the calf of the leg, but remained with his company to the close
of the day. The lamented Fisher was the first of our officers to
lay down his life in the struggle. He fell like Bartow, gallantly
leading his men, and North Carolina ought to have imitated
the example of Georgia in doing honor to her brave son and
perpetuating his fame by naming one of its counties for him.
Mangum, who had presided over the United States Senate, and
had been prominent as a presidential candidate, went down to
his grave sorrowing for his only son. Like Webster he left no
one to perpetuate his great and honored name.
THE OPENING OP THE CAMPAIGN OF 1862.
The Sixth Regiment spent rather an uneventful winter a few
miles above Dumfries, at Camp Fisher, named in honor of our
fallen Colonel. The condition of the Sixth when it left that
camp for Fredericksburg in March, 1862, was a vindication of
the wisdom of Governor Clark in appointing Pender to succeed
Fisher. The rank and file shared in the pride of Pender, when
on review at Fredericksburg, General Johnston declared it supe-
rior in drill and discipline to any other regiment in the Army of
Northern Virginia. Pender was still more elated at Yorktown
when the regiment responded to the alarm signal at midnight
by forming in battle array at the place assigned it on the line
far ahead of any other regiment of Smith's Reserve Corps.
These achievements were the first fruits of the patient training
of the best "all-^ound" soldier, in the writer's opinion, in the
Army of Northern Virginia — excepting only a few of our offi-
cers of high rank.
The march from Fredericksburg to Yorktown would have
been devoid of special interest but for the terrible mortality
amongst the new recruits, who were being stricken down with
measles every day, as the troops moved to and then down the
Peninsula. Of forty-six recruits taken to Company E by the
writer, more then twenty fell by the way-side.
350 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
THE SIXTH AT SEVEN PINES.
Whiting's Brigade was composed of the Sixth North Caro-
lina, Second and Eleventh Mississippi and the Fourth Alabama
Regiments — being the command of General Bee at Manassas,
except the First Tennessee, which had been transferred to Hat-
ton's (subsequently Archer's) Brigade, and formed a part of the
Corps (as it was called) of Major-General Gustavus W. Smith.
This command had been sent hurriedly to re-inforce Branch,
near Hanover Junction ; but had returned and spent the night
before the battle of Seven Pines, or (as the Federals called it)
Fair Oaks, in a camp near Richmond.
It moved to the junction of the New Bridge and Nine Mile
roads. (See General Johnston's report, "War Records," Series
I, Vol. XI, Part I, page 933 ) . Major-Generals Hill and Long-
street attacked the left of General Keyes' command at two o'clock
p. M. of May 31, 1862, after waiting from early morning,
about six hours, for Huger to get into the position assigned him
by Johnston's orders. (See "War Records," Series I, Vol. XI,
Part I, page 940). Owing to the peculiar condition of the
atmosphere neither the fire of musketry nor of cannon by Long-
street's and Hill's commands could be heard by Smith's Corps,
which was accompanied by President Davis and General Joseph
E. Johnston. At length Major Jasper Whiting, of Johnston's
staff, was sent to the right, and returning just before four o'clock
p. M., reported that the battle was raging on the right.
The first regiment put in motion on the Confederate left was
the Sixth, under Pender. He was ordered tp press forward
rapidly, with the assurance that he would be supported, but was
led to believe that the enemy was not very near to his front.
Hence he moved into the dense woods, a short distance from us,
by the flank, until the head of the column reached a road, when
the enemy's picket fired into him. The regiment was halted
instantly and ordered forward into line at double-quick. Though
the movement was executed in dense woods, the regiment had, in
Sixth Regimejst. 351
a few seconds, formed a perfect line along the road, and in the
shortest possible time thereafter Company K, Captain Lea, was
thrown out as skirmishers, and was advancing at a quick-step,
followed by the regiment in supporting distance.
Though a number of men in the line of battle were killed
and wounded, the company of skirmishers was not driven back
upon the main line until the regiment reached the woods, where
a part of Couch's command was said to have been in camp near
Fair Oaks Station. The advance of the regiment was not, how-
ever, checked for a moment there, though wistful eyes were cast
at the full haversacks and boiling pots as it passed through the
deserted camp of Couch. Pender, true to his training, obeyed
orders by moving straight to the front, trusting to his superiors
for support. The regiment passed rapidly over the road leading
to Couch's center (see Couch's report, "War Records," Series
I, Vol. XI, Part I, page 880), and advanced several hundred
yards east of it, when a sergeant called the writer's attention to
the fact that several Federal flags were visible to our left and
rear, the Federal regiments being so posted that they could in
five minutes have moved rapidly down the road which the Sixth
had crossed and cut it off from retreat or support. The writer,
whose position as First Lieutenant of the color company, threw
him near to Pender, said: "Colonel, there are three Yankee
flags." Without replying, Colonel Pender said, in a low tone,
" Sergeant Bason, lower your flag." Then with the ringing voice,
which could always be heard, and was always heeded, he gave
the command, "By the left flank, file left, double-quick!" This
was the only possible combination of commands that could have
saved us from capture, and they were molded into a single order
without hesitating for an instant. But the danger of capture or
annihilation was not over still. No supporting troops were in
sight. The enemy's regiments — the head of Sumner's Corps,
which had crossed the Chickahominy, but had not yet effected
a junction with Keyes — were resting in column by company to
our left and rear in an open field, with a swamp on their right.
Whether they had mistaken the Sixth for Federals, or had
352 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
determined to allow it to go unchallenged into danger, they were
without doubt unprepared for Pender's next movement. When
the center of the regiment reached the road leading towards Fair
Oaks— without halting — Pender gave the command, "By the
right flank, charge bayonets!" Meantime, as we were moving
double-quick towards the road, Pender had said to his Adjutant:
"Go rapidly to the rear and hasten the advance of the other
regiments." When the regiment had charged within about one
hundred yards of the enemy, still massed in column by company.
Colonel Pender gave the order to halt and to deliver .a fire into
him.
This well directed fire threw the columns of Sumner into con-
fusion and gave Pender time to fall back a short distance and
form on the right of the Mississippi regiments, which had now
come up. In a few moments the regiment went forward, with
the Mississippians on its left, to a point within eighty yards of
the enemy, and in the open field. This position it held, deliver-
ing a steady fire until it was almost dark, and until the com-
mands of Pettigrew, Hatton and Hampton had made unsuccess-
ful attacks on the enemy posted in the swamps to the left of
Pender. Jefferson Davis witnessed the movements of Pender's
Regiment, and when the battle was over, said to him: "Your
commission as Brigadier bears date of to-day. I wish that I
could give it to you upon the field." Pender afterwards said to
his friend, General Stephen D. Lee: "I could have coveted no
greater honor than to be promoted by the President on the field
of battle.'"
The attack on the left was not a success. General Hatton was-
killed. General Hampton wounded, General Pettigrew wounded
and captured, while the aggregate loss of the Confederates was
nearly twelve hundred killed and wounded. The Sixth North
Carolina won the proud distinction of being the first to engage
the enemy and the last to leave the field.
Sixth Regiment. 353
the sixth on the second day at gettysburg.
Visitors who pass over the historic field of Gettysburg are
impressed with the accounts by guides of how Sickles turned the
tide by advancing without orders at a certain stage of the battle.
It seems to be a well-attested, though not a well-known fact,
that General Lee had courteously requested Lieutenant-General
A. P. Hill to consent to his giving an order directly to Pender.
Major Engelhard, Pender's Adjutant, stated that just before he
was wounded he said: "It is about time for me to move in
obedience to General Lee's order." Major Engelhard under-
stood that the movement was intended to anticipate and check-
mate the subsequent advance of Sickles. But the exact purport
of the order was known only to Pender and Lee, and was never
disclosed to another. Well might Lee say, "I looked to him as
the successor of Jackson," if he believed that his untimely fall
prevented the execution of plans that, if carried out, would have
changed the result of the battle and given to the Confederacy a
proud position amongst the nations of the earth.
Column after column of newspapers have been filled, and page
upon page of histories and romances have been printed to prove,
on the one hand, that Pickett's Division was entitled to all the
glory of the desperate charge upon the heights at Gettysburg, on
the third and last day of the fight, or on the other hand, that
some of the soldiers of the other twelve States of the Con-
federacy could be allowed to divide the honor with them, with-
out dimming their deservedly bright record. Those who have
studied the field and fitted the testimony to the ground know
full well that the point where Satterfield, of the Fifty-fifth
North Carolina, fell was further to the front than the utmost
point reached by the most venturous of Pickett's men by a
number of yards. True a few of Pickett's men crossed a por-
tion of the rock wall which projected in front of other parts of
it, but, after crossing, failed to keep in line with Davis' Brigade
and protect its right flaiik as it marched up to the mouths of
musket and cannon which were being fired from behind the
23
354 North Caeolina Teoops, 1861-65.
high and unbroken rock wall near the crest of the hill and on
Pickett's left.
However this dispute may be settled by future historians,
another controversy, which has arisen as to the honor, not simply
of crossing, but of entering and occupying Cemetery Heights on
the second day, ought to be settled without further delay, by
admitting that Hays' (Louisiana) and Avery's (North Carolina)
Brigades are entitled to share the glory equally.
Colonel Tate contended that the Sixth Eegiment was the only
organized command that crossed the wall and occupied the
trenches behind it, though accompanied by a small squad of
Louisianians of Hays' Brigade. Colonel H. C. Jones, the dis-
tinguished historian of the Fifty-seventh North Carolina, states
positively that his command and the Twenty-first, or the whole
brigade, commanded by Avery, advanced in an unbroken line
and drove the enemy from their intrenchments. The historian
who contributed the article on the Louisiana troops for the Con-
federate history, recently published under the editorial super-
vision of General Clement A. Evans, contends, upon represen-
tations of Hays' men, that they were the only organized
command that occupied the heights, though a small squad of the
North Carolinians joined them.
Captain J. A. McPherson (then First Lieutenant), of Company
E, Sixth North Carolina, who was acting as Aid-de-camp to
Colonel Avery, gives the following account ^of the movements
and conduct of the brigade:
"Colonel I. E. Avery commanded Hoke's Brigade, composed
then of the Sixth, Twenty-first, Twenty-seventh (the Fifty-
fourth having been detached and left in charge of the prisoners
captured at Winchester). This brigade attacked a portion of
Reynold's command intrenched, with a strong fence in front of
the trenches, and after marching across an open wheat field without
faltering, drove Reynolds from his position and through the town
to the wall on Cemetery Hill. Here brave Captain J. H. Burns,
of the Sixth, was killed (in fulfillment of a wish often expressed)
instantly by a ball piercing the brain.
Sixth Regiment. 355
"The brigade halted in a wheat field near and to the right of
the Gulp house, where it remained all night and until just before
sundown on the next day, when it was ordered to move forward
with Hays' Brigade and attack Cemetery Heights.
"In this attack Colonel Avery led the brigade on horseback,
being the only mounted man of the command, until he fell from
his horse mortally wounded by a ball which passed through his
neck and shoulder. After falling from his horse he took from
his pocket a pencil and piece of paper, on which he wrote in
indistinct characters: 'Tell my father I fell with my face to the
enemy.' * * His command moved forward and scaled the
heights." * * *
"In June, 1896, I visited Gettysburg in company with Judge
A. C. Avery, and located the place where Colonel Avery fell,
which was marked by order of the Commissioners."
GENERAL EARLY'S STATEMENT.
In 1890 the writer addressed a letter to General Early, asking
■ what troops scaled the walls on Cemetery Heights, to which he
received the following reply :
"Lynchburg, Va., July 11, 1890.
"Dear Sir: — Your letter of the 4th has been received, and
in reply I have to inform you that at the close of the 2d of July,
1863, at Gettysburg, both Hoke's Brigade, under the command
of Colonel Isaac E. Avery, and Hays' Louisiana Brigade at-
tacked the enemy's works on Cemetery Hill, and entered them.
Of course the Sixth North Carolina Regiment entered the works,
but it was along with the rest of the brigade. Hays' Brigade
brought oflF four battle flags and one hundred prisoners captured
from the enemy. The conduct of Hoke's Brigade, under Col-
onel Avery, was all that could be expected of it, and the Sixth
North Carolina Regiment behaved well, as did the rest of the
brigade. It was frequently the case that the men and ofBcers of
a regiment, not being able to see what other troops did, imagined
that no other troops were where they fought. In the twenty-
356 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
seventh volume, second part, of the books entitled, ' War of the
Eebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies,'
published under the authority of Congress, is contained my
official reports of the campaign in 1863, including the battle of
Gettysburg. As it may not be accessible to you, I send you a
copy of my statement in regard to the attack on Cemetery Hill
on the second day. This is all the information that I can give
yon in regard to that aifair.
" Very truly yours,
"J. A. Early."
A. C. Avery, Esq.
The extract sent by General Early is as follows, viz. :
"Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies," Vol-
ume XXVII, Part II, pages 470-'71.
extracts from report of general J. A. EARLY.
Extract First: "Having been subsequently informed that the
attack would begin at 4 o'clock p. M., I directed General Gordon '
to move his brigade to the railroad, in rear of Hays and Avery,
Smith being left, under J. E. B. Stuart, to guard the York road.
The fire from the artillery having been opened on the right and
left at 4 o'clock, and continued for some time, I was ordered by
General Ewell to advance upon Cemetery Hill with my two
brigades that were in position as soon as General Johnson's
Division, which was on the left, should become engaged at the
wooded hill on the left, which it was about to attack, informa-
tion being given us that the advance would be general, and made
also by Rodes' Division and Hill's Division on my right.
"Accordingly, as soon as Johnson became warmly engaged,
which was a little before dusk, I ordered Hays and Avery to
advance and carry the works on the heights in front. These
troops advanced in gallant style to the attack, passing over the
bridge in front*of them under a heavy artillery fire, and then
crossing a hollow between that and Cemetery Hill, and moving
np this hill in the face of at least two lines of infantry posted
Sixth Eegiment. 357
behind stone and plank fences ; but these they drove back, and
passing over all obstacles, they reached the crest of the hill and
entered the enemy's breastworks, crossing it, getting possession
of one of the batteries. But no attack was made on the imme-
diate right, as was expected, and not meeting with support from
that quarter, these brigades could not hold the positions that they
had attained, because a very heavy force of the enemy was
turned against them from that part of the line which the divis-
ions on the right were to have attacked, and these two brigades
had, therefore, to fall back, which they did with comparatively
slight loss, considering the nature of the ground over which they
had passed and the immense odds opposed to (hem, and Hays'
Brigade brought off four stands of captured colors. At the
same time these brigades advanced, Gordon's Brigade was ordered
forward to support them, and did advance to the position from
which they had moved, but M'as halted here because it wag ascer-
tained that no advance vvas made on the right, and it was evident
that the crest of the hill could not be held by my two brigades,
supported by. this one without any other assistance, and that the
attempt would be attended with a useless sacrifice of life. Hays'
and Hoke's Brigades were reformed on the line previously occu-
pied by them, and on the right and left of Gordon respectively.
"In this attack, Colonel Avery, of the Sixth North Carolina
Regiment, commanding Hoke's Brigade, was mortally wounded.
With this affair the fighting on July the 2d terminated."
Extract Second (page 473): "The conduct of my troops during
the entire campaign, on the march as well as in action, was deserv-
ing of the highest commendation. To Brigadier Generals Hays
and Gordon I was greatly indebted for their cheerful, active and
intelligent co-operation on all occasions, and their gallantry in
action was eminently conspicuous. I had to regret the absence
of Brigadier General Hoke, who was severely wounded in the
action of May 6th at Fredericksburg, and had not recovered,
but his place was worthily filled by Colonel Avery, of the Sixth
North Carolina Regiment, who fell mortally wounded while
gallantly leading his brigade in the charge on Cemetery Hill at
358 North Cakolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Gettysburg on the afternoon of July the 2d. In his death the
Confederacy lost a good and brave soldier."
All of the eye-witnesses concur in stating that the Sixth, com-
manded by Major (afterwards Lieutenant-Colonel) S. McD. Tate,
was gallantly led, and engaged in a hand-to-hand encounter with
the enemy intrenched behind the wall on the heights, in which
men were not only killed by bayonets and pistol shots, but were
clubbed by muskets and ramrods of artillerists. A letter from
W. A. Hal], of Company K, states that a body of Hays' Lou-
isiana troops planted their flag upon one of the enemy's guns
on the heights, and about the same time the color-bearer of the
Sixth was knocked senseless while planting his colors on another
gun in the Federal line.
Summing up all of the evidence, there is no room for doubt
that the North Carolinians commanded by Colonel Avery, one
and all, covered themselves with glory. If the Sixth encoun-
tered the line where it was strongest, it was their good fortune
to find the opportunity for which all alike were asking, to show
their devotion to the cause. It is equally true that the veteran
command of Hays, which had so often marched, side by side to
victory, with their Carolina friends, did not falter in the face of
the terrible hail of shot and shell that rained upon them from
Cemetery Hill, as they moved in an unwavering line across the
memorable field to the harvest of death.
The Sixth Regiment was on the left of the Confederate line,
and hence was not in the thickest of the third day's fight. It
enjoyed again, however, proud distinction in being a part of the
only command that stormed and occupied any portion of the
enemy's line along the heights, from the beginning to the end
of the three days' struggle.
The writer has been provoked to write an account of the con-
duct of the Sixth at Gettysburg by reading the Louisiana his-
tory. He feels that he has so completely answered the article
of Governor Smith, that the old hero, if alive, would concede
that he was mistaken. He believes now that if the writer who
claimed a monopoly of the honor of storming Cemetery Heights
Sixth Regiment. 359
for Louisiana will calmly examine the "War Records" and listen
to proof and reason, he will show that he is animated by the
liberal and chivalrous spirit of such representatives of his State
as Beauregard, Hays, Gibson and Nichols, by according to the
comrades of Hays equal honor for the success achieved under
his leadership.
A. C. Avery.
MORG ANTON, N. 0.,
July 2, 1900.
SEVENTH REGIMENT.
1. Junius L. Hill, Lieut. -Colonel.
2. A. yi. Sigmon, Private, Co. K.
John Hughes, Captain and Assistant
Q. M.
SEVENTH REGIMENT.
By captain J. S. HARRIS, Company B,
The Seventh Kegiment North Carolina State Troops was en-
listed for the period of the war, and organized at Camp Ma-
son, Alamance county, during the month of August, 1861.
Reuben P. Campbell, of Iredell county, was the Colonel;
Ed. Graham Haywood, of "VVake county, Lieutenant-Colonel ;
E. D. Hall, of New Hanover county. Major ; First Lieutenant
John E.Brown, Company D, Adjutant ; Dr. Wesley M. Camp-
bell, of Iredell, Regimental Surgeon, and Dr. W. E. White, of
Mecklenburg county, was the Assistant Surgeon, all to take
rank from the 16th of May, 1861. Neither Commissary nor
Quartermaster was assigned the regiment at first, though officers
were temporarily detailed for duty in these departments.
The regiment' was coniposed of the following ten companies,
to-wit :
Company A — Iredell and Alexander Counties — Captain, Ju-
nius L. Hill.
Company B — Cabarrus County — Captain, Robert S. Young.
Company C — New Hanover County — Captain, Robert B.
McRae.
Company D — MeoUenburg County — Captain, 'William Lee
Davidson.
Company E — Nash County — Captain, A. J. Taylor.
Company F — Roivan County- — Captain, J. McLeod Turner.
Company G — Wake County — Captain, Hiram Witherspoon.
Company H — Cabarrus County — Captain, James G. Harris.
Company I — Iredell County — Captain, James R. McAulay.
Company K — Alexander County — Captain, Martin H. Peo-
ples.
362 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-65.
On the 21st of August, 1861, the Seventh Regiment North
Carolina State Troops was mustered into the military service of
the State of North Carolina, and each soldier was paid a bounty
of fifteen dollars. Captain A. Myers was the disbursing officer,
and it required nearly thirteen thousand dollars to pay off the
regiment.
Colonel Campbell was a professional soldier, a graduate of
West Point, and had served with distinction in the Mexican war.
Possessed of fine administrative abilities, he introduced and
practically enforced the discipline of the regular army. Upon
assuming command, he remarked to his officers that he was not
confident of his ability to control a thousand men, but said he,
"I think I can govern forty officers."
Lieutenant-Colonel Haywood was a man of fine personal ap-
pearance, just in the prime of life; was possessed of a magnifi-
cent voice and brilliant intellect. As a tactician, he was skillful,
and under his training the regiment rapidly acquired proficiency
in the various evolutions of battalion drill.
Two companies, A and F, were armed with rifles, the others
with the smooth-bore Springfield muskets.
ORDERED TO THE COAST.
Early Wednesday morning, August 28th, the Seventh Regi-
ment embarked by rail for the Eastern part of the State, and
reached New Bern the following morning at 5 o'clock, and was
assigned quarters in the Fair Grounds. On Friday, August 30th,
the regiment was regularly mustered into the military service of
the Conftderate States of America (more properly speaking,
transferred).
On Monday, September 2d, the regiment marched to Fort
Lane, on Neuse River, below town, and was busily employed on
the river defenses until Sunday, September 8th, when it was
taken by rail to Carolina City. Two companies, D and E, were
detached and sent to Hyde county under command of Major
Hall. The remaining companies went by boat to Bogue Island
and encamped some four miles below Fort Macon. The Twen-
Seventh Regiment. 363
ty-sixth Regiment North Carolina Volunteers, Colonel Z. B.
Vance commauding, and Captain Pender's Battery were on duty
when we arrived on the island. Camp and picket duties em-
ployed our time until the 2d of October, when the regiment
recrossed the sound and encamped near Carolina City. Early
in December Colonel Campbell moved his command up the road
to Newport and constructed winter-quarters, and the companies
on detached service rejoined the regiment.
On the 5th of March, 1862, the Seventh Regiment was taken
by rail to New Bern and encamped in the Fair Grounds until
Wednesday evening, March 12th, when it was reported that the
enemy were coming up the river, and dispositions were accord-
ingly made to have the troops in position to meet them.
THE BATTLE OF NEW BERN.
The Seventh and Thirty-third Regiments, encamped in town,
crossed the river at an early hour Thursday morning, March
13th, and were placed in reserve some two miles in the rear of
the main line, at a point where the public road from Beaufort
crosses the Atlantic & North Carolina Railroad. Colonel
Campbell was intrusted by General Branch with the command of
his right wing, and was assigned the duty of guarding the river
from Otter Creek to Fort Thompson, a distance of several miles.
In consequence of vastly superior numbers, and the advantages
afforded the enemy in landing troops at almost any point on the
river shore, so as to take his line in reverse, Colonel Campbell,
in obedience to orders, retired to the Fort Thompson breastworks.
The Seventh Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel E. G. Haywood
commanding, was ordered from the reserve and was posted on
the main line, one company (F) on the left, and the other nine
companies immediately on the right of the Beaufort road, and
about half-way from Fort Thompson to the railroad — the dis-
tance from the Fort to the railroad being about one mile.
At an early hour on Friday morning, March 14th, final dispo-
fiitious were made to receive the advancing foe. Rain had fallen
in showers the previous night, and the early morning was obscured
364 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
by a fog, so much so that a party of mounted men approached
almost unobserved within musket-range, evidently with the pur-
pose of locating the lines. This party was fired upon by one of
Latham's guns on the Beaufort road. This shot served as a signal
for the Federal advance, and shortly thereafter they appeared in
force on the Beaufort road and opened fire immediately in front
of the Seventh Pegiment. They were promptly responded to
with musketry and artillery, and with such effect as to arrest
their advance, and in a short while the firing was general along
the line to the river. Finding this part of the line to be well
defended, the enemy extended his line and advanced up the rail-
road on the opposite side. The intrenchments on that side were
located higher up the road, so that when the enemy's skirmishers
arrived on a line with the breastworks from the river to the rail-
road, they were enabled to deliver a flank fire into the troops (the
militia battalion of Colonel H. J. B. Clark) on the opposite side,
under which they gave away, and all efforts to rally them were
unavailing. This advantage enabled the enemy to advance
troops through an undefended open ditch with but little expo-
sure, and the Thirty-fifth Regiment North Carolina Troops, like-
wise assailed in front and flank, gave way and did not afterwards
return to the fight. Flushed with success, the enemy pushed
along the vacant works, and the Seventh was the next in turn
to feel the brunt of his attack, and it, too, was forced to retire,
but not in confusion, for it was quickly rallied, and advancing
with fixed bayonets, it gallantly drove the Federals over the
breastwork's, recovering two of Brem's guns that had fallen into
their hands. The brave Major Hall led the charge, and did
much to inspire the confidence and courage of the Seventh, for
the first time so sorely tried. The regiment continued to hold
its position without re-inforcements until near noon, when it was
again assailed from the same direction by an overwhelming force,
and the entire line, being exposed to an enfilade fire, gave way,
and the field was. hopelessly lost.
Referring to the regiment on this occasion, General Branch
said : i " The brave Seventh met them with the bayonet and drove
Seventh Regiment. 365
them headlong over the parapet, inflicting heavy loss on them
as they fled; but soon returning with heavy re-inforcements, not
less than five or six regiments, the Seventh was obliged to yield,
falling back slowly and in order."
In this ill-fated afiair, its first fight, the regiment sustained a
loss of six killed, fifteen wounded and thirty missing.
Along with General Branch's command it retreated to Kinston
and remained about a week, when the command was taken by
rail to Falling Creek, seven miles above Kinston.
branch's brigade organized.
On the 31st of March, 1862, the Second Brigade, consisting
of the Seventh, Colonel Campbell; Thirty-seventh, Colonel
Charles C. Lee ; Eighteenth, Colonel James D. Eadcliffe; Twenty-
eighth, Colonel James H. Lane, and the Thirty-third, Colonel C.
M. Avery, all North Carolina regiments, was organized, and Brig-
adier-General L. O'B. Branch was assigned to the command, and
on the following day he returned to his former encampment
below Kinston.
While here Major E. D. Hall was promoted to Colouel of the
Forty-sixth Regiment, and Captain J. L. Hill, Company A,
succeeded him as Major of the Seventh. Adjutant John E.
Brown was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel of the Forty-second
Regiment, and Lieutenant F. D. Stockton, of Company F, suc-
ceeded him as Adjutant. On the 1st of May, Colonel Camp-
bell, in obedience to orders from brigade headquarters, proceeded
with his regiment. Captain Bunting's Battery and a train of
wagons to Trenton for the purpose of collecting and bringing
back provisions for the use of the troops, but upon reaching
his destination the command was recalled.
ORDERED TO VIRGINIA.
On Sunday, May 4th, 1862, Branch's Brigade went by rail to
Goldsboro, thence by way of Weldon, Petersburg and Richmond
to Gordonsville, Va., reaching the latter place on the night of the
366 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
5th, and remained until about the 16th, when the command was
ordered towards the Valley of Virginia, but before reaching
the foot-hills of the Blue Ridge it was ordered back to Gordons-
ville, and from there by rail to Hanover Court Hoiise, and did
picket duty for some days in that locality.
BATTLE OF HANOVER COURT HOUSE.
The battle of Hanover Court House was fought on the even-
ing of Tuesday, May 27th, between the Federal advance, under
Generals Fitz John Porter and Sedgewick, and Branch's Brigade,
Latham's Battery, and two infantry regiments, temporarily at-
tached. Twelfth North Carolina and a Georgia regiment.
In this action the Seventh Regiment was held in reserve, and
though at no time actively engaged, it was nevertheless exposed
to the enemy's fire (a severe test of the metal of any troops)
without the opportunity of returning it. In obedience to orders,
General Branch fell back to Ashland during the night, and the
Seventh Regiment constituted his rearguard. In this affair the
regiment sustaiued a loss of two killed, four wounded and two
missing. General Branch said in his report: "A cautious at-
tempt was made by the enemy to follow, but a single volley from
the rearguard of the Seventh arrested it." During the early
days of June Branch's Brigade encamped on the Brook turn-
pike, three and one-half miles northwest of Richmond, and
remained until sunset Wednesday, June 25, 1862, when, in
obedience to orders from army headquarters, it marched up
Brook turnpike to the vicinity of "Half Sink" bridge, and
bivouacked until morning. Thursday, June 26th, at 10 o'clock
A. M., the brigade was ordered to cross, and the Seventh, march-
ing at the head of the column, crossed the Chickahominy and
directed its march down stream. Three companies. A, C and
F, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Haywood, were ad-
vanced to discover and dislodge the enemy's picket. When
nearing the Virginia Central Railroad, Colonel Haywood's com-
mand encountered and dispersed the enemy's advanced troops.
Seventh Regiment. 367
some two hundred strong, capturing from them a flag — the first
trophy of the day — before any other brigade of General Lee's
army had crossed the Chickahominy, and started MeClellan on
"that retreat in which he found no shelter until under cover of
the guns of his shipping." Continuing the advance, Colonel
Haywood's command again encountered the enemy's sharp-
shooters beyond Atlee's Station and drove them back. The
movements of Branch's Brigade uncovered Meadow Bridge, and
General A. P. Hill crossed and drove the enemy from his in-
trenched camp at Mechanicsville. Late in the afternoon Branch's
Brigade, marching by a different road, reached the scene of con-
flict. After the repulse at Mechanicsville the enemy retired to
a strong position at Ellyson's Mill, where the Confederates re-
newed the attack, but failed to dislodge him. Branch's Brigade
was ordered to the front, and went some distance, when it was
halted, and Colonel Campbell was directed to hold his regiment
in readiness for an immediate advance. Later the regiment was
placed in position on the left of the road and remained over
night.
Next morning, Friday, June 27th, while awaiting orders to
advance, it was learned that the enemy had abandoned his posi-
tion and was in full flight. Pursuit was immediately given, and
in the afternoon the battle was renewed beyond Gaines' Mill.
The Seventh formed to the left of the road, and under the lead
of the fearless Campbell pushed forward through a lake of
water and up a long wooded slope. Companies A and F were
advanced as skirmishers and met with such stout resistance as
to check their progress.
Seeing that Turner and Knox were hard pressed, Captain
Young, of Company B, called on his men to go to their assist-
ance, and this they did by moving cheerfully forward under a
heavy fire and rendered timely aid in forcing the enemy out of
the road and from the fence on top of the hill. As the main
line advanced the skirmishers were directed to form on the right
of the regiment, and for some time it maintained this advanced
position against superior odds. Not being supported, as he ex-
368 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
pected, and suffering frightful loss, Colonel Campbell ordered
the regiment to fall back to a less exposed position, and the
three skirmishing companies on the right not falling back at the
same instant, became separated from the regiment, and, under
the command of Lieutenant- Colonel Haywood, they were as-
signed by General A. P. Hill's order to another part of the line,
and were under fire to the close of the action. The other seven
companies, under Colonel Campbell, were sent to charge a bat-
tery on the right of the road, and, after moving the required
distance. Colonel Campbell advanced his regiment through a
swamp and over fallen timber up the deadly slope, intent upon
fulfilling his mission. The color-bearer, Henry T. Fight, of
Company F, had advanced but a little way when he was se-
riously wounded and let the colors fall. Then Corporal James
A. Harris, of Company I, caught them up and bore them a
short distance, when he, too, received a disabling wound. Colo-
nel Campbell then seized the flag, and advancing some twenty
paces in front of his men, ordered them not to fire but to follow
him. When within less than a stone's throw of the deadly guns,
the heroic Campbell was pierced by an enemy's bullet and
instantly killed. Lieutenant Duncan C. Haywood, of Company
E, promptly seized the flag, and in the effort to bear it forward,
he in turn lost his life, and seeing the utter impossibility of cap-
turing the battery, the regiment beat a hasty retreat. Unwilling
that the flag should fall into the enemy's hands, private Nichol-
son, of Company H, caught the end of the broken staff and
trailed it after him down the hill, and, from Colonel Haywood's
report, it was borne from the field by Corporal Geary, of Com-
pany C. The flag had on it the marks of thirty-two bullets,
indicating in some measure the fearful dangers to which the
gallant Seventh was exposed in attempting to accomplish an
impossible result.
Following is a list of officers killed and wounded in this
action :
Killed — Colonel Reuben P. Campbell*; Lieutenant Duncan
* Colonel Campbell was born in Iredell county, N. C, April 16, 1818, and graduated at
West Pomt, June 23,1840; entered the service as Second Lieutenant of Cavalry : was
promoted Captain of Company B, Second Dragoons. He was distinguished for gallant
and meritorious conduct in the Mexican war, and resigned his commission to take part
with his native State m behalf of the South.
Seventh Regiment. 369
C. Haywood, Company E ; Lieutenant William A. Closs, Com-
pany E ; Captain Martin H. Peoples, Company K ; Lieutenant
Joseph C. Miller, Company K.
"Wounded — Captain Eobert B. McRae, Company C ; Lieu-
tenant William J. Kerr, Company D ; Captain James R. Mc-
Aulay, Company I.
The number of enlisted men killed and wounded in this or
any subsequent action during the seven days' fight cannot be
determined with any accuracy, as the official reports embraced
the entire campaign in the aggregate.
On Sunday morning, the 29th of June, Branch's Brigade re-
crossed the Chickahominy in pursuit and again encountered the
enemy in a hard-fought battle at Frazier's Farm, lasting from 5
o'clock p. M. until night-fall on the 30th of June. In this action
the Seventh, under Colonel Haywood, made a gallant charge
across an open field that was swept by musketry and artillery,
and drove the enemy from its front for a considerable distance —
every foot of the ground being hotly contested. Lieutenant
John Milton Alexander, Company H, was killed. Wounded :
Lieutenants E. G. Blackmer, Company F, and W. N. Dickey,
Company I. Missing: Lieutenant John P. Young, Company B.
MALVERN HILL.
The battle of Malvern Hill was fought on the afternoon- of
Tuesday, July 1st. The Seventh, as were the other regiments
of the brigade, was ordered to the battlefield in support of troops
already engaged, and remained in reserve to the close of the
action, exposed to .the enemy^s fire, with no opportunity of re-
turning it.
During this " week of battles," the Seventh Regiment sus-
tained a loss of thirty-seven killed and two hundred and two
wounded and fourteen missing — total, two hundred and fifty-
three.
24
370 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
CEDAR RUN.
Branch's Brigade was sent by rail to Gordonsville, July 29th,
and on Saturday, August 9th, the battle of Cedar Run was
fought. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon there was a spirited
artillery duel between Confederate and Federal batteries. About
5 o'clock the infantry became hotly engaged. At first the enemy
was successful and drove the Confederates back. At the oppor-
tune moment Branch's Brigade, marching at the head of the
" Light Division," advanced and checked the enemy, and in
turn drove him back with loss. Just as it was in the act of
advancing, the Seventh was, by General Jackson's personal order,
directed to'cross to the right of the main road and pursue a de-
tached body of the enemy then in retreat. This movement
resulted in the capture of some thirty odd prisoners, including
two commissioned officers. The regiment was little exposed in
this action. Its loss was one killecl and one wounded. The
Confederates recrossed the Rapidan on the 12th, and encamped
around Orange Court House. On the 20th of August there
was a general advance of the army, and Branch's Brigade con-
fronted the enemy opposite Warrenton Springs on the 22d, and
was exposed^to the fire of several batteries during Saturday and
Sunday. Early on Monday, August 25th, General Jackson
disappeared from Pope's front, crossed the Rappahannock un-
molested, aud arrived at Bristoe Station on the night of the 26th,
and early the following morning Branch's Brigade reached Ma-
nassas Junction, and a few hours later it chased Taylor's New
Jersey Brigade some miles beyond Bull Run.
second battle of MANASSAS.
The next time the Seventh confronted the enemy was on the
historic field of Manassas, where, on the afternoon of August
28th, it was exposed to the fire of a Federal battery, but suf-
fered slight loss. On Friday morning, August 29th, the Sev-
enth was on the right of the brigade, and in rear of a grove on
Seventh Eegiment. 371
the Confederate left, and not far from Crenshaw's Battery.
Shortly after assuming this position, Captain J. McLeod Turner
was ordered to advance his company, and soon the sound of his
rifles told that he was driving the enemy's skirmishers. During
the morning hours there were heavy and irregular volleys of
musketry on the right, sometimes nearer, then further away, as
one or the other of the combatants were forced to yield ground.
About 3 o'clock p. m. the Federal commander shifted his point
of attack and fell with great fury on the Confederate left.
Guided by the sound of battle. General Branch advanced his
brigade and engaged the enemy's troops, then flushed by tempo-
rary success, and drove them across the railroad and into the woods
beyond. In obedience to orders, the brigade recrossed the railroad
and reformed its line of battle. Details were sent to collect cart-
ridges from the boxes of those who had fallen and issue them to the
men in ranks awaiting the renewal of the conflict. Colonel Hay-
wood was wounded and Captain R. B. McRae took command, and
right gallantly did he discharge the duties thus imposed on him.
Hardly were the necessary preparations complete before the
enemy advanced fresh troops and renewed the battle with great
energy and with like results. The brigade successfully held
its position against repeated attacks until the going down of the
sun.
With evident feelings of pride, General Branch publicly com-
plimented his brigade for gallant conduct. Said he : "Burnside
whipped us at New Bern, but we have whipped him this even-
ing." The Seventh fought bravely and eSiciently. Not a single
Yankee was able to cross the railroad in its front, though efibrts
were made to do so that were well-nigh irresistible. Its loss
was seven killed and sixty wounded. The following day,
though not actively engaged, it was nevertheless exposed to a
heavy artillery fire and joined in the pursuit of the enemy late
that afternoon.
On the afternoon of Monday, September 1st, the battle of Ox
Hill was fought in a blinding rain-storm. The Seventh ex-
hibited its customary valor from the opening to the close of the
372 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-65.
action. Its loss was eight killed and seventeen wounded. Cap-
tain E. B. McRae, commanding the regiment, was severely-
wounded, and Captain J. G. Knox, Company A, succeeded him
in command.
The Seventh was in the First Maryland campaign, and crossed
the Potomac at Point of Rocks on the afternoon of September
4th, arrived at Frederick, Maryland, on the 6th, and remained
for some days. While here the regiment was re-inforced by one
hundred and thirty conscripts. It recrossed the Potomac at
Williamsport on the 12th, and was part of the force that invested
Harper's Ferry on the Virginia sid« the following day.
On Sunday night, the 14th, the Seventh preceded the brigade
in its advance, successfully dislodged the enemy from the moun-
tain cliifs overhanging the Shenandoah, and secured possession
of Bolivar Heights, overlooking Harper's Ferry. This was
accomplished with a loss of one killed and three wounded.
Early Monday morning, September 15th, the garrison of
Harper's Ferry surrendered after a spirited shelling from Con-
federate batteries bearing on it from all points. The Seventh
Regiment, up to this time, armed with the smooth-bore Spring-
field musket, now exchanged it for the Springfield rifle, a more
effective weapon at longer range. This regiment left Harper's
Ferry on the morning of September 17th and arrived at Sharps-
burg in the afternoon just in time to help repulse Burnside's
troops, then across Antietam Creek, and gradually pushing the
Confederate right toward Sharpsburg. Its loss in this action
was nine killed and forty-three wounded. The brave General
Branch was killed near the close of the action, and Colonel
James H. Lane assumed command of the brigade.
The battle was not renewed the following day, and that night,
the 18th, the army recrossed the Potomac at Shepherdstown.
Branch's Brigade formed part of the rearguard and was the
last command to cross the river on the 19th. The rear of its
column was shelled as it disappeared over the hills on the Vir-
ginia side.
At Shepherdstown, on the 20th of September, the Seventh
Seventh Eegiment. 373
was one of the regiments that so gallantly charged the enemy
across the big corn field, notwithstanding it was honey-
combed by the concentrated fire of Federal batteries from the
opposite side of the Potomac. In this affair the regiment had
fifteen men wounded.
The next offensive movement in which it took part was the
destruction of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad from North
Mountain Depot to Hedgeville. The regiment then encamped
near Bunker Hill, until the,lst of November, at which time it
removed to the vicinity of Berryville.
On the 1st of November, ,1862, Colonel James H. Lane was
promoted to be Brigadier General, and permanently assigned by
request to the command of Branch's Brigade.
Early in November the Federal army crossed the Potomac at
Harper's Ferry and slowly advanced along the railroad to War-
renton. Longstreet's Corps disappeared from the Valley and
confronted the enemy in the neighborhood of Culpeper. Court
House. On the 22d of November Jackson's Corps broke camp
above Winchester and moved rapidly to New Market, thence
south to the vicinity of Guinea Station on the railroad leading
from Fredericksburg to Richmond.
Nothing occurred to foreshadow the expected battle until the
night of the 11th, when firing was heard in the direction of
Fredericksburg, which increased in volume the following morn-
ing— a sure warning of the approaching contest, in which the
Army of Northern Virginia would again measure arms with its
old antagonist, the Army of the Potomac, under its new com-
mander. Genera] Burnside.
the battle op peedericksbueg.
The battle of Fredericksburg was fought Saturday, December
13, 1862, Lane's Brigade was on Jackson's left, some two
miles southeast of the town, and the Seventh Regiment was on
Lane's left, about two hundred yards distant from the railroad
and about the same distance in front of the right of Pender's
North Carolina brigade. A short distance beyond the railroad
374 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-'66.
there was a ridge that extended some distance to the right, and
was lost in the common level of the surrounding plain. This
ridge was occupied by a battalion of artillery, thirteen guns,
under Major Braxton, with instructions to play on the enemy's
infantry without replying to his artillery. Before the fight began
the Seventh Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Hill commanding,
was advanced to the railroad to insure the safety of the guns.
A fog hung over the field and concealed the enemy's movements
until well under way.
About 9 o'clock A. M. a line of battle advanced from under
cover of the river bank and was driven back by the fire of the
artillery in front. By way of retaliation, several Federal bat-
teries opened on Braxton's guns, and also did the Seventh serious
injury, driving in its skirmishers, ten of them having been in-
jured by one shell. The enemy's skirmishers then advanced
and endangered the gunners, and on this fact being reported
to Colonel Hill by one of their officers, he promptly advanced
his regiment and drove them off. Meantime the artillery
left the field, and to save his men, Colonel Hill ordered the
regiment into the railroad cut near by, where it remained
about two hours, during which time there was a lull in the
storm.
In forming his line of battle, General A. P. Hill had left an
open space of several hundred yards, extending from Lane's
right to Archer's left. By noon the fog of the early morning
had cleared away, and the keen-sighted Yankees were not long
in detecting this opening, against which they sent a cloud of
skirmishers and directed a powerful artillery fire.
The Seventh Regiment now left the railroad cut and resumed
its former position on the left of the brigade. In a short
while the enemy advanced in great force to the crest of the hill
beyond the railroad, several stands of colors being visible in
front of the Seventh, but their troops were not sufficiently
exposed to invite its fire. Remaining stationary for a short
time, they retired, then advanced a second time and remained
stationary as before, apparently hesitating to risk the result;
Seventh Eegiment. 375
ai\d presently the entire column moved by the left flank
behind the ridge and massed on the fatal opening. Turning
Lane's right and Archer's left, they entered the woods to the
rear and momentarily endangered the Confederate center.
The Seventh Regiment remained in line until the regiments
on its right gave way, when it also fell back in good order to
General Pender's line, under a heavy artillery fire. From there
it was immediately ordered to the right of the brigade, where it
rendered good service in helping to drive the enemy back and
aiding to re-establish the line. The writer, from personal ob-
servation, bears testimony to the gallant and heroic resistance
made by the Thirty-seventh and Twenty-eighth Regiments
North Carolina Troops to overwhelming numbers, as they
entered the opening and turned the positions held by these
regiments. The repulse of the enemy was complete, his loss
frightful, and he made no further assault on this part of the
line. In the Seventh Regiment eleven men were killed and
eighty-one wounded. Among the latter Captain J. McLeod
Turner was shot through the body and sustained a serious
lung injury, and Captain John G. Knox, of Company A, was
quite seriously wounded. Lieutenant Sol. Furr, of Company
B, was also wounded.
After the Federal army recrossed the river the Confederates
went into winter-quarters along the Rappahannock. Lane's
Brigade encamped near Moss Neck. Army supplies had to be
hauled in wagons from Guinea Station, a distance of nine miles.
Heavy details were sent daily to help corduroy the miry roads,
and this, in connection with the ordinary camp duties and con-
stantly maintaining a long picket line, kept the Seventh busy
during the bleak winter months.
CHANCELLORSVILLE.
No event transpired to interrupt the usual round of daily duty
until Thursday, April 30, 1868, when the booming of cannon
called the army to Fredericksburg the second time, and the Con-
federates re-occupied the lines so successfully defended the pre-
376 NoKTH Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
vious December. A large body of Federal troops under General
Sedgewick occupied the town, but made no effort to advance.
Early the following morning, May 1, Lane's Brigade moved
up the Orange plank-road and formed in line of battle near
Chancellorsville late in the evening. The heavy skirmishing
near night indicated an enemy in force, and we quietly awaited
the developments of another day.
Early next morning, Saturday, May 2d, Jackson's troops were
in motion — the column turned off from the plank-road at the
Catharine Iron Furnace, and marched rapidly past the front of
the Federal army, and late in the afternoon it reached the old
turnpike road, to the right and rear of Hooker's army. It was
near sunset when the advance began. Rodes' Division sur-
prised the Eleventh Corps on the Federal right, which, after a
feeble resistance, fled in the wildest confusion. Other lines,
doubtless affected by their panic-stricken comrades, became de-
moralized, and no serious opposition was encountered until
within three-fourths of a mile of Chancellorsville. At this
point the " Light Division " was ordered to the front to take
charge of and continue the pursuit. As the leading brigade
(Lane's) was nearing the point at which it was to deploy in line
of battle, it was exposed to a very heavy artillery fire in column
on the plank-road, and to escape its destructive effect the men
were ordered to lie down. As soon as the firing was over the
Seventh Regiment, followed by the Thirty-seventh, filed to the
right of the plank-road and formed parallel to but not in the
breastworks, the left of the Thirty-seventh extending to the
plank-road. The Twenty-eighth and Eighteenth filed to the
left, the right of the latter regiment resting on the road. The
Thirty-third, under Colonel C. M. Avery, was thrown forward
as skirmishers and covered the front of the brigade. Before
preparations were complete for resuming the advance the enemy
succeeded in passing a column of infantry behind the skirmishers
and in front of the Seventh Regiment. Presently an oSicer
with a white flag came forward and inquired for the command-
ing officer, and also demanded to know whether the troops in
Seventh Regiment. 377
his front were Union or Confederates. General Lane very
properly sent him to the rear under guard, as he did not wish
to surrender. While awaiting the return of their flag, a shot
was fired from the enenay's line, and in response the Seventh
poured a volley into the dark line in its front, and as a result
some two hundred and fifty Federal soldiers immediately sur-
rendered. Lieutenant-Colonel Hill directed Captain John P.
Young, with his company, to conduct them to General Jackson's
headquarter guard. The enemy's batteries now opened afresh
and his infantry advanced, but did not come within musket-
range of the Seventh.
Early next morning, Sunday, May 3d, the entire line wheeled
somewhat to the left. Then, in obedience to orders, the forward
movement began. The Seventh was preceded by one of its com-
panies as skirmishers under Lieutenant John Y. Templeton, and
notwithstanding the intervening woods was swept by a wither-
ing fire of musketry and artillery, this regiment unhesitatingly
pushed forward and drove the enemy out of the first line of works
in its front. Unfortunately the expected support failed to
"show up," and after a gallant fight against fresh troops it was
in turn driven back by the concentrated fire of the enemy's for-
tified batteries surrounding the Chancellor house and the flank
fire of an approaching column on the right. After refilling
cartridge-boxes the regiment immediately went into position on
the left of the plank-road in support of General Colquitt's
Georgia Brigade. It lost heavily in the fight — fifty-three killed,
one hundred and twenty-seven wounded and five missing —
total, one hundred and eighty-five. Colonel Haywood and
Major Davidson were wounded early in the morning. Ad-
jutant Ives Smedes was killed in the advance and Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Junius L. Hill lost his life while at the enemy's
works.
The following company officers were killed, viz. : Company
A, Lieutenant E. Mansfield Campbell and Robert A. Bolick;
Company B, Captain John P. Young; Company D, Captain
William J. Kerr; Company F, Lieutenant James W. Emack.
378 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
The following were wounded, viz. : Company A, Lieutenant
P. C. Carlton; Company B, Lieutenant J. S. Harris; Company
F, Lieutenant T. G. Williamson ; Company G, Lieutenant John
Y. Templeton; Company H, Lieutenant J. M. W. Alexander
and Lieutenant Dixon B. Penick ; Company I, Captain James
R. McAulay, and Lieutenant Robert G. McAulay, mortally.
The color-bearer, Sergeant E. M. Correll, also received a dis-
abling wound.
After the return to winter-quarters an election was held in the
various companies of the regiment, in accordance with an act of
Congress authorizing the President to bestow medals, " with
proper devices, upon such officers as shall be conspicuous for
courage and good conduct on the field of battle, and also to con-
fer a badge on one private or non-commissioned officer of each
company after every signal victory it shall have assisted to
achieve," and the names of the following soldiers were selected
by their comrades to be placed on the " Confederate roll of
honor" for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battle of
Chancellorsville, viz.: Second Lieutenant A. M. Walker, Com-
pany K; Corporal William H. Millstead, Company A; Ser-
geant William G. Sawyer, Company B; Corporal Philip
Strickland, Company C; Sergeant Thomas Brinkle, Com-
pany D; private Elisha H. Eure, Company E; private Ed-
ward H. Williams, Company F ; Corporal Ira W. Smith,
Company G; Sergeant Robert M. Caldwell, Company H;
private Thomas L. Purdie, Company I ; Sergeant Isaac S.
McCurdy, Company K. From some cause the above medal
and badges were never delivered, and no further elections were
held in the Seventh Regiment under the act authorizing them.
After the death of General Jackson the Army of Northern
Virginia was composed of three corps — Longstreet's, Ewell's
and A.. P. Hill's. Lane's Brigade was in Pender's Division, A.
P. Hill's Corps. For several weeks succeeding the battle of
Chancellorsville no active movement was undertaken by either
army.
About the 1st of June, 1863, the Army of Northern Vir-
Seventh Regiment. 379
ginia largely disappeared from the Rappahannock, Hill's Coi'ps
alone renaaining at Fredericksburg to watch Hooker's move-
ments and protect Richmond. Alarmed by the report of so
many Confederates in the Shenandoah Valley, the Federal com-
mander withdrew from Fredericksburg about the middle of
June. General Hill also left Fredericksburg on the 15th, and
by rapid marches crossed the Potomac at Shepherdstown on the
25th and arrived at Fayetteville, Pennsylvania, on the afternoon
of the 27th. Longstreet was at Chambersburg and Ewell some
miles in advance.
GETTYSBURG.
The march of the Confederate columns was directed to Gettys-
burg on Wednesday morning, July 1st, and the leading division
of Hill's Corps (Heth's) engaged the Federal advance before noon.
Lane's Brigade marched from South Mountain without oppo-
sition until across a small stream northwest of Gettysburg. Here
it formed line of battle in supporting distance of Heth's Divis-
ion on the left of the Chambersburg road. In this order the
two lines advanced and drove the enemy back several hundred
yards, then halted, and Lane's Brigade was withdrawn from the
center and placed on the right of Pender's Division. Here the
Seventh Regiment, Major Turner commanding, was sent to
watch the movement of the enemy's cavalry, with instructions
to move by the left flank, as skirmishers, so as to cover the
right of the brigade in its advance. About 4 o'clock in the
afternoon there was a general advance, and after desperate fight-
ing the enemy was driven through and beyond the town. On
account of the threatening attitude of the cavalry the Seventh
was detained, but subsequently rejoined the brigade on Seminary
Ridge, near McMillan's house. This regiment was inactive the
following day, July 2d. It was subjected to a very heavy artil-
lery fire in the afternoon, and that night two of its companies
were sent to re-inforce the brigade skirmishers under Major
Brown, then occupying the Emmittsburg road.
380 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Friday morning, July 3d, found the mighty combatants "in
place " where the battle of the previous day ended. The skir-
mishers began the bloody day's work at an early hour (those of
the enemy being unusually spiteful), and the wounded, at times,
came out in squads. Thomas' and McGowan's Brigades were
advanced the night before to support Eodes' Division in the con-
templated night attack. General Pender was badly wounded the
evening before and General Lane was in command of his division.
At noon Lane's and Scales' Brigades were ordered to the
right and formed in the rear of Heth's Division (commanded
by General Pettigrew), then in line of battle and awaiting orders
to advance on Cemetery Ridge. About this time Major General
Trimble was put in command of Pender's Division (Lane and
Scales), General Lane resumed command of the brigade, and Col-
onel Avery, commanding the brigade, returned to his regiment.
Seminary Ridge was crowned with a formidable array of artil-
lery, which at a given signal was to open a furious fire on Cem-
etery Ridge for the purpose of silencing the enemy's artillery and
demoralizing the infantry, and as soon as this result was appa-
rent the assaulting columns were to advance and carry the
Federal position by storm. The artillery duel I'aged with great
fury for near two hours, then the enemy's fire decreased in vol-
ume and number of guns, and the order to advance was imme-
diately given.
The Seventh Regiment was on the right of the brigade and
connected with Scales' left, and the marked steadiness of its
advance over that storm-swept field was but a repetition of its
gallantry on other fields. It went as far as any other command,
and was among the last to leave the field. Its loss was seven-
teen killed, eighty-four wounded and forty-one missing. (Its
flag was also left on the field after every member of the color-
guard had either been killed or wounded). The following offi-
cers were wounded : Major J. McLeod Turner, who so gallantly
commanded the regiment, was badly wounded and left near the
enemy's works; Captain T. J. Cahill, Company D; Captain J.
W. Vick, CoDipany E; Lieutenant D. F. Kinney, Company F,
and. Captain A. A. Hill, Company G.
Seventh Regiment. 381
On the retreat at Hagerstown, Saturday, July 11th, the regi-
ment formed a line of battle and skirmished with the enemy,
and on Monday night, the 13th, fell back with the army, march-
ing all night in pitchy-darkness and torrents of rain.
Next morning, July 14th, immediately after the unfortunate
wounding of General Pettigrew near Falling Waters, General
Heth, then commanding his own and Pender's Division, ordered
General Lane with his brigade to act as rear-guard and pro-
tect the crossing of his troops. This arduous and dangerous
duty it successfully accomplished, repulsing and holding in
check an active and aggressive foe until every other command
was safely across the Potomac, when it also retired to the Vir-
ginia shore, and thus ended the trans-Potomac campaign.
ON VIRGINIA SOIL AGAIN.
For some days the army remained in the neighborhood of
Berryville, then moved south by way of Front Royal, and
made a short stay at Culpeper Court House, then continuing
the march, it re-occupied the line of the Rapidan in the early
days of August. Lane's Brigade was stationed near Orange
Court House and the Seventh did picket duty at Morton's Ford.
No active movements were undertaken by either army for
some weeks, and strong efforts were made to fill up the depleted
ranks by encouraging absentees to return. The duties were also
lightened (as much as the good of the service would admit) on
the brave men who had borne the heat and burden of an ex-
haustive and unsuccessful campaign. Major-General Pender
died of the wound he received at Gettysburg, and Brigadier-
General C. M. Wilcox was promoted to the rank of Major-
General and succeeded to the command of the "Light Division."
The next active movement in which the Seventh toolt a part
was on Tuesday, September 22d, when it was ordered to Jack's
Shop to oppose a cavalry demonstration toward Gordonsville,
but was not engaged, as General Stuart had in the meantime
succeeded in defeating the enemy. The regiment recrossed the
Rapidan the next day and encamped on Mr. Newman's farm,
382 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
from which point it did picket duty at Liberty Mills and main-
tained a picket post on the Stanardsville road.
The quiet of camp-life was next broken by the general ad-
vance of the army on the 9th of October. The Federal com-
mander, General Meade, unwilling to risk an engagement on the
Eappahannock, retired along the Orange & Alexandria Rail-
road in the direction of Washington. On the 14th of October,
the leading division of Hill's Corps (Heth's) was repulsed with
loss by the rear of the Federal army, under General Warren, at
Bristoe Station. The Seventh and other regiments of the brigade
formed line of battle under fire, but on account of approaching
darkness did not advance. The Federal commander continued
his retrograde movement during the night, and the following
day the Confederates returned, completing the destruction of
the railroad to the Eappahannock. The Seventh cheerfully
performed the task assigned it, and on the 25th of October
recrossed the river and camped near Brandy Station.
On the 7th of November the greater part of two of General
Early's brigades (Hoke's and Hays'), doing picket duty beyond
the Rappahannock, near Kelly's Ford, were captured by the
enemy. The next morning the array fell back, and when near
Culpeper Court House the Seventh aided in repulsing the
enemy's cavalry charge, sustaining a loss of one killed, private
Mack Winecoff, Company H, and four others wounded. Lieu-
tenant P. C. Carlton, Company A, was also wounded. That
night the march was resumed and the following day the regi-
ment re-occupied its quarters at Liberty Mills.
On the 15th of November it received orders to strike tents
and proceed to Orange Court House to repel a brigade of Fed-
eral cavalry that had crossed the Rapidan at Morton's Ford, but
the order was subsequently countermanded.
On the 26th of November the Seventh marched to Mine Run
to aid in opposing General Meade's advance on Gordonsville.
Next day, in a rain-storm, it worked hard all day building breast-
works. The rain was followed by high winds, clear and in-
Seventh Eegiment. 383
tensely cold weather, and the sufferings of the thinly-clad troops
were simply indescribable. The sentinels on the skirmish line
were relieved every thirty minutes, but the time seemed much
longer — many of them insisting that they had been on duty an
hour.
On the 1st of March of 1864, the Seventh, in obedience to
orders, marched through mud and rain to Madison Court House
to oppose a cavalry raid, only to iind. the enemy gone. That
night it snowed, and the men, being without tents or shelter of
any kind, suffered much discomfort. On the 20th of April
all surplus baggage was sent to Richmond, and no pains were'
spared in getting the troops in the best fighting trim possible.
The sun and winds were fast hardening the roads and hourly
hastening the impending struggle which was to decide the fate
of the Confederacy.
The Seventh Regiment, with twenty-seven commissioned
officers and four hundred and twenty-five enlisted men, left
Liberty Mills on the 4th of May, 1864, and reached the Wil-
derness battlefield the following afternoon, and from five o'clock
to nine at night it was closely engaged and successfully drove
the enemy through swamps and tangled woods for several hun-
dred yards. At one time the regiment narrowly escaped being
captured, its left having advanced in the darkness within the
enemy's line. Its loss was in killed : Lieutenants S. Layne Hay-
men, Company E; W. H. Haywood, Company K, and three
enlisted men. Wounded: Lieutenants J. W. Ballentine, Com-
pany E; E. B. Roberts, Company I, and sixty enlisted men.
Missing: Colonel Wm. Lee Davidson, Captains J. G. Knox,
Company A, and Walter G. McRae, Company C, and thirty-
four enlisted men.
SPOTTSYLVANIA.
At Spottsylvania Court House, on the 12th of May, when
Ewell's line was broken at early dawn and the greater part of
Johnson's Division captured, this regiment rendered invaluable
service in checking the tide of Federal victory by constantly
384 North Carolina Troops, 18 61-65.
pouring into the enemy's ranks a fire so deadly that no troops,
however brave, could withstand. Later in the day it was one of
the regiments selected to lead the advance of Lane's Brigade in
that brilliant flank movement which surprised Burnside's ad-
vancing column and captured more than four hundred prisoners
and three stands of colors. Its loss was eleven enlisted men
killed, twenty-five wounded and four missing. Adjutant John
W. Pearson, Lieutenants Thomas P. Malloy, Company D, and J.
L. Stafford, Company H, were wounded ; total forty-three. In
the assault on the 21st of May to the right of the Fredericks-
" burg road, which resulted in the capture of the enemy's breast-
works, the regiment sustained a loss of one killed and seven
wounded. At Jericho Mills, on the 23d of May, it was detached
to guard a ford on the river and was not engaged. Two days
later, on the 25th, the regiment was exposed to an annoying
artillery fire at Anderson's Turnout on the Virginia Central
Railroad. It was again exposed to the enemy's fire of both
infantry and artillery near Pole Green Church on the 31st of
May, but not actively engaged.
At Cold Harbor, June 2d, it was part of the support to Whar-
ton's Brigade of Breckinridge's Division in that successful
charge which secured Turkey Ridge to the Confederates.
At Riddle's Shop, on the 13th of June, the regiment was in
line of battle for several hours, but not engaged.
AT PETERSBURG.
On the 18th of June the regiment reached the outer defenses
of Petersburg and took part in the action at Wells' Farm, three
miles southeast of Petersburg, on the afternoon of the 22d, when
the enemy was completely foiled in his attempt to reach the
Petersburg & Weldon Railroad. The next morning, while re-
lieving Mahone's Brigade from the trenches in front of Peters-
burg, it exhibited coolness and nerve under a withering fire of
musketry and artillery at close range.
Early in July the regiment returned to the north side of the
James, and remained in the vicinity of Dutch Gap until the 28th
Seventh Regiment. 385
of July, when it was actively engaged at Gravel Hill. Lieu-
tenant R. M. Quince, of Company C, Acting Adjutant, was
killed, and the regiment sustained a loss of twenty-five killed,
wounded and missing.
At Fuzzell's Mill, August 16th, the Seventh was on the left
of the line in that gallant charge in which Lane's Brigade, led
by Colonel Barber, recaptured the Confederate intrenchments
(lost by other troops) on the Darbytown road in the presence of
General R. E. Lee. The enemy's force consisted in part of
negro troops.
Returning to Petersburg, the Seventh was engaged at Reams'
Station on the 25th of August, and sustained its reputation for
good fighting qualities in that irresistible charge made by Cook's,
McRae's and Lane's Brigades, which dislodged Hancock's Corps
and regained to the Confederates the possession of the Petersburg
and Weldon Railroad. Its loss was four killed and twenty-
eight wounded. Captain J. R. McAulay, of Company I, fell
in the advance. His death was a real loss to the service.
The Seventh was engaged from "start to finish " in that spir-
ited fight at Jones' Farm, on the right of the Petersburg lines,
on the afternoon of September 30, 1864, and gallantly drove
the enemy in its front from the field. While the loss of enlisted
men was comparatively small, one killed and twelve wounded,
it was a sore battle to its thirteen company officers, as the follow-
ing will show : Killed : Lieutenant John R. Pearson, Company
F. Wounded : Lieutenants P. C. Carlton, Company A ; A. F.
Bizzelle, Company B; John W. Ballentine, Company E; John
Y. Templeton, Company G ; Captain J. G. Harris and Lieu-
tenant Dixon B. Penick, Company H.
This regiment was in the advance the next morning and helped
drive the enemy from his unfinished line near Pegram's house,
and held it for the remainder of the day. After dark the regi-
ment retired to the intrenchments near the Jones house, where,
about the middle of November, it erected winter-quarters.
On the 8th of December the Seventh, with the other com-
mands of Hill's Corps, marched through rain and snow to ,
25
386 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
oppose the enemy's forces then operating against the Petersburg
& Weldon Railroad. On reaching Jarratt's Station, and find-
ing the enemy gone, the command was ordered back to winter-
quarters. During this march the weather was extremely cold
and the sufferings of the poorly clad men were pitiable indeed.
While in winter-quarters at Petersburg, Colonel Haywood
resigned, and Lieutenant-Colonel William Lee Davidson became
Colonel; Major J. McLeod Turner, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Cap-
tain James G. Harris, of Company H, became Major of the
Seventh Regiment.
On the night of the 26th of February, 1865, the Seventh
Major Harris commanding, left the defenses of Petersburg, and
went by rail to High Point, N. C, for the purpose of arresting
and returning absentees from the army, its field of operations
being Randolph, Moore and Chatham counties.
Ou the advance of Stoneman's raiders into Western North
Carolina the regiment returned to High Point, and on the 1st
of April it was sent by rail to the Yadkin bridge, six miles
northeast of Salisbury, as an attempt to destry the bridge was
apprehended. On the 5th it was taken to Danville, Virginia,
and on the 11th it was ordered to return to Greensboro.
On the 16th of April it was assigned to General D. H. Hill's
Division, Lee's Corps, Army of Tennessee. It was detailed on
the 19th to rebuild the railroad bridge across Deep River at
Jamestown, recently burned by Stoneman, and by the evening
of the 24th the bridge was complete for the passage of trains.
General Joseph E. Johnston officially announced the surrender
of the Army of Tennessee on the 27th of April, and ou Mon-
day, May 1, 1865, the Seventh Regiment, numbering thirteen
commissioned officers and one hundred and thirty-nine enlisted
men, was paroled near Greensboro, North Carolina, and imme-
diately disbanded, its war-worn veterans hastening to their
homes to engage in the battle of life.
J. S. Harris.
MOEKISVILLB, N. C,
1 May, 1900.
EIGHTH REGIMENT.
1. H. M. Shaw, Colonel. 4. Jonas Cook, Captain, Co. H.
2. John E. Mnrchison, Colonel. 5. Leonard A. Henderson, Captain, Co. P.
3. Enfus A. Barrier, Lient.-Colonel. 0. Harvey C. McAllister, 1st Lieut., Co, H.
7. W. 11. Bagley, Captain, Co. A.
EIGHTH REGIMENT.
By H. T. J. LUDWIG, Drummer, Company H.
The Eighth Eegiment North Carolina State Troops was organ-
ized at Camp Macon, near Warrenton, N. C, in the months of
August and September, 1861, with the following field ofiQcers
and companies. The counties named show from what section of
the State the officers and men volunteered:
FIELD OFPICEKS.
Colonel, H. M. Shaw, Currituck county ; Lieutenant-Colonel,
William J. Price, New Hanover county; Major, George Wil-
liamson, Caswell county; Adjutant, J. B. Cherry, Bertie county ;
Sergeant-major, L. G. Thornton, New Hanover county; Assis-
tant Quartermaster, C. W. Grandy, Virginia; Assistant Comis-
sary-sergeant, H. G. Trader, Hertford county; Surgeon, H. P.
Ritter, Pasquotank county.
COMPANIES.
Company A — Pasquotank, Perquimans and Camden Coun-
ties— Captain, James W. Hinton.
Company B — Currituck County — Captain, James M. Whitson.
Company C — Edgecombe, Franklin and New Hanover Coun-
ties— Captain, Henry McRae.
Company D — Granville, Franklin and Warren Counties —
Captain, A. J. Rogers.
Company E — Cumberland, Chatham and Harnett Counties —
Captain, James W. Williams.
Company F — New Hanover, Warren, Rowan and Franklin
Counties — Captain, Charles J. Jones.
388 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-65.
Company G — Pitt and Greene Counties — Captain, Edward
C. Yellowly.
Company H — Cabarrus County — Captain, Rufus A. Barrier.
Company I — Alamanoe County — Captain, Gaston D. Cobb.
Company K — Bowan County — Captain, P. A. Kennerly.
Otiier counties were represented by one or a few men in the
companies generally.
The regiment was mustered into the Confederate service on
the 13th of September by Colonel Robert Ransom, the term of
service being for the war. During the stay at Camp Macon our
work consisted of drilling, standing guard and such other duties
as necessarily pertain to camp-life.
We were not detained long in the camp of instruction near
Warrenton. On the 18th of September tents were struck, the
regiment having been ordered to Roanoke Island. The trip on
the canal and sound on the way from Camp Macon to the island
was delightful, it being about the time of full moon, and the
weather being fine. We arrived at Roanoke Island on the 21st of
September. The first duty after landing was to arrange camp,
dig wells, etc. This work took several days. Then drilling
and work on the fortifications became the regular duties of the
men.
On the 3d of October the regiment, consisting of about six
hundred and fifty men, in company with the Third Georgia
Regiment and a few other troops, embarked on barges in tow by
steamers, on the sound, for the purpose of attacking a force of
the enemy then encamped on the narrow strip of land stretching
along- the sea-shore, known as Chicamacomico. The attack was
made on the 4th of October, and resulted in the capture of the
camp and fifty-five prisoners. The Third Georgia made the
attack on the camp, whilst the Eighth North Carolina was to
intercept the retreat of the enemy. Accordingly, when the enemy
began their retreat the Eighth Regiment was ordered to proceed
towards Hatteras, efi^ect a landing and await the approach of the
retreating enemy. We proceeded to a point in Pamlico Sound
Eighth Regiment. 389
opposite to where the landing was to be made. The position
taken by the barges which conveyed the regiment was about
three miles from land. Orders were given to leave the barges
and wade to the shore. After wading about one mile, a deep
channel, too deep to cross, was met. The order to return to the
barges was given. In the meantime the tide began to rise, and
by the time the last of the men arrived at the barges the water
was up to their armpits and chins. There was some suffering
for water on this expedition, the supply carried by the men
having been exhausted and no other drinkable being at hand to
refill the canteens. On Sunday, October 6th, we returned to
camp on Roanoke Island, having spent Saturday on the sound,
some of the men having been detailed to assist in moving the
captured camp effects of the enemy. After returning to the
island the usual drilling and other duties pertaining to camp
occupied the time of the men. Also, regular details were made
to work on the fortifications then in progress on the island.
On the 29th of October one company (H) of the regiment
was ordered on duty in Battery Huger, near the northern
extremity of the western side of the island. The remaining
nine companies continued in the camp established near Fort
Bartow, and' did duty as stated above. The first Christmas
during the war was passed on the island, nothing unusual occur-
ring except occasional alarms, some true, others false, till the
early part of February, 1862. It was known in the latter part
of December that the enemy was contemplating an attack on
some important point somewhere on the coast. A large fleet at
that time was collecting at Fortress Monroe. Every effort was
made to put the island in the proper state of defense. The
Eighth, with the other regiments and troops on the island, was
kept constantly at work to be prepared to meet, what then seemed
and afterwards proved true, the coming attack.
The enemy's fleet entered Pamlico Sound at Hatteras Inlet on
January 13tb, and appeared before the island on February the
6th. The morning was foggy and it was near 10 o'clock before
the fleet could be seen. No attack was made on that day. On
390 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
the 7th the fleet drew nearer and bombarded Fort Bartow, and
during that afternoon and night succeeded in landing about fif-
teen thousand men. On Saturday, the 8th, at about 7 A. m.j
the battle began, and continued something over five hours. The
enemy had about ten thousand men in the engagement, the Con-
federates about fourteen hundred, of which latter the Eighth
North Carolina Regiment furnished five hundred and sixty-eight.
The enemy crossed what had been supposed to be an impassable
marsh, and flanked our little army. Even after having been
flanked the Eighth Regiment stood to its post without wavering
till orders came to retire to the north end of the island. The
enemy having flanked our army, and considering the great
disparity in numbers, the fall of the island was a foregone con-
clusion. The battle, however, was continued as long as there
was any hope of success. In the language of the commander,
the surrender did not take place until it appeared "that any
further slaughter would have been useless and inhuman."
In this engagement the Eighth Regiment lost five killed and
seven wounded, Lieutenant Monroe, of Company E, being
among the killed. , During the time that the regiment was on
Roanoke Island fourteen men died of sickness.
After the surrender of the island on the 8th of February, we
were held in camp as prisoners of war about two weeks, when
we were conveyed by steamers to Elizabeth City, paroled and
sent home by way of the Dismal Swamp Canal and Portsmouth.
Whilst prisoners in the hands of the enemy we were well treated.
Of course we were closely guarded, but no insults were oifered.
During the first and second weeks of September, 1862, the
men having been exchanged, the regiment re-assembled. This
time, however, the reorganization was effected at Camp Mangum,
on the North Carolina Railroad, a few miles west of Raleigh.
The Eighth Regiment now became a part of General T. L.
Clingman's Brigade.
While at Camp Mangum the regiment attended the funeral of
General Branch, who had been killed at the battle of Sharpsburg,
participating in burying him with military honors.
Eighth Eegiment. 391
After occupying Camp Mangum a few weeks, the regiment
was ordered to Camp Campbell, near Kioston, early in October.
While at Camp Campbell, in addition to the usual camp duties,
the regiment did picket duty on Core Creek between New Bern
and Kinston. After a few weeks' camp at Camp Campbell, we
were ordered to Kinston, where camp was established a short
time, when orders came to move to Wilmington, N. C. While
camping at Kinston one hasty march to Greenville, about forty
miles, and a demonstration against New Bern were about the
only active duties out of regular camp in which the regiment
was ordered to take part.
We arrived at Wilmington in the latter part of November,
and pitched tents in Camp Whiting. Nothing of importance
occurred while we were at Camp Whiting till about the middle
of December, when orders came to proceed to Goldsboro to meet
an expedition of the enemy which was advancing from New
Bern, along the south side of Neuse River.
On the 17th of December the regiment, with the other troops
that had been ordered to that point, formed a line of battle on
the south side of Neuse River, along the railroad leading to
Wilmington, and awaited the approach of the enemy. It was
in the afternoon when the enemy made his appearance. After
several hours lighting, both artillery and infantry being engaged,
the enemy retired, but suceeded in burning the bridge over the
Neuse. In this engagement the Eighth Regiment lost three
killed and six wounded. The regiment then returned, marching
from Goldsboro to Camp Whiting, and went into winter-quarters.
The beginning of the year 1863 found the regiment in winter-
quarters at Camp Whiting, where we continued till the early
part of February, when orders came to proceed to Charleston,
S. C, where camp was pitched on James Island. After camp-
ing a few weeks at this place, we were ordered to Savannah, Ga.,
where camp was established on the outskirts of the city. We
remained here about ten days, then returned to Charleston. Our
tents were pitched in our former camp on James Island, where
we remained, with nothing especially important happening, till
392 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
about the 1st of May, when orders came to return to Wil-
mington.
On arriving at Wilmington we established camp, known ,as
Camp Ashe, in a large oak grove near Old Topsaiil Sound, about
twelve miles from the city. During the time the regiment
camped on James Island quite a number of its strongest men,
physically appearing, died from sickness. Swamps and malaria
were the most destructive enemies the regiment met on these
expeditions.
Having established camp near Old Topsail Sound, the men
indulged themselves in fishing when not on duty. We remem-
ber this camp, which above all others had more the resemblance
of being devoted to holiday pleasures than to the more onerous
and dangerous duties of soldiers engaged in war. However,
in war pleasures do not last long. War is not a fishing
frolic. After remaining at Camp Ashe about two months,
we were ordered on the 10th of July to strike tents and march
to Wilmington, where we boarded the train for Charleston,
arriving at that point on the 13th. The enemy had already
gained a footing on Morris Island, and was preparing to attack
Battery Wagner. We were now destined to see hard service.
With the enemy's land forces advancing slowly on Morris Island,
and the iron-clad fleet lying outside the bay, it was evident that
the transition from the pleasures at Camp Ashe to the trials,
hardships and dangers of soldier-life in a regular, long-continued,
stubbornly-conducted siege was to be experienced.
The Eighth Regiment was ordered at once to James Island,
and began work on the fortifications west of Morris Island, in
sight of Battery Wagner, the objective point of attack of the
enemy at the time of our arrival at Charleston. On the 18th
of July, when the enemy assaulted Battery Wagner, we were in
full view of the deadly conflict. The attack being made after
dark, the flashes of the guns could be distinctly seen. The next
day, the 19th, we were ordered to Sullivan's Island, where we
remained till the 22d, when the regiment received orders to go
to Morris Island.
Eighth Eegiment. 393
The nature of the service on Morris Island was such as to
render it necessary for the regiments composing the army on that
side of Charleston to perform duty alternately. While on the
island the men were exposed at all times to the enemy's fire,
both from land and sea. An attack had to be prepared for at
any instant, either day or night. The men had to be ready for
action at any moment. It was no place for rest. The battery,
frequently shelled by the enemy's iron-clads, had to be repaired.
The enemy's ever-active sharp-shooters had to be watched. To
expose one's self to view meant being shot at with the attending
consequences. The men had to keep under cover of the battery
or in pits near by, dug in the sand-hills along the beach. Under
such circumstances it was necessary to relieve the men once about
every seven or eight days.
It was on the 24th that the battery received one of the most
terrific bombardments, continuing for several hours, it experi-
enced during the siege. The Eighth Regiment was i^ the battery
at the time, some of the men being placed in the bomb-proof,
some in the sally-port, and some guarding the parapet. On one
or two occasions during the heavy shelling the smoke of explod-
ing shells came down through the cover of the sally-port, and at
the cessation of the bombardment light could be seen through
the cover of the bomb-proof. The shells were of the largest
calibre, some of them measuring fifteen inches in diameter. So
terrific was the concussion when one exploded near a soldier, the
blood would be found in some cases to come out of the ears and
nose.
The siege of Battery Wagner lasted fifty-eight days, Morris
Island having been evacuated on the 6th of September. During
that time the Eighth Regiment did duty on the island about
twenty-one days, viz. : from July 22d to August the 1st, from
August the 8th to the 15th, and from August 22d to the 29th,
the dates being given as approximately correct.
The enemy approached Battery Wagner by constructing
parallels, each parallel bringing him nearer to the battery. Five
parallels were constructed, which brought the last to within about
394 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
one hundred yards of the battery. The nearer the approach of
the enemy, the more severely trying the service became. The
service was hard the first relief the regiment served on the island,
but became harder the second and third reliefs. The men had
to work night and day. A corps of sharp-shooters, consisting
of about twenty picked men, who volunteered for the service,
was organized in the Eighth Regiment. They were put in com-
mand of Lieutenant Dugger, of Company F. How well these
men did their duty is best expressed by Colonel Harrison in his
report on August 12th, he being in command of the battery that
week. He says : " My sharp-shooters, under Lieutenant Dugger,
Eighth North Carolina Regiment, do good work, though the
Yankees are very shy and seldom show their heads." The
sharp-shooters were armed with Whitworth (globe-sighted)
rifles, and in addition to their courage were most excellent
marksmen.
Sometimes^ when the men were not on special duty in the bat-
tery they would seek relief among the sand-hills between Bat-
teries Wagner and Gregg, the two being about three hundred
yards apart. The enemy was not long in discovering this, and
on more than one occasion gave the sand-hills a severe shelling.
Occasionally a bomb would strike near a pit dug among the hills
and bury the occupants. There were, however, no fatalities in
the Eighth Regiment from that cause.
The living on Morris Island compared favorably with the
character of the service. There was no place for cooking. All
the rations had to be prepared elsewhere and carried there. The
water, too, was bad. It was such as may be found near the
ocean beach anywhere along the coast.
The number of killed and wounded in the regiment while
serving on Morris Island was not great. The nature of the
service required nerve and pluck, but not carelessness and reck-
lessness. It was a veritable target practice between sharp-shooters
every day, and any careless or reckless exposure to the enemy's
fire meant work for the ambulance corps. The men were veterans,
and therefore understood the value of strictly obeying orders.
Eighth Eegiment. 395
When the regiment was assigned to a duty the men Ifnew how
to perform it. Among the officers, Captain Rogers, Company D,
was wounded. The gallantry of the men who composed the
regiment was never displayed more conspicuously than when
defending Battery Wagner. The enemy had determined to take
Charleston, "the cradle of the rebellion." The men who
defended the city in 1863, were just as determined that it should
not be taken. Morris Island had to be abandoned, but every
foot gained by the enemy had to be fought for. It was a slow
movement, and possessed none of the quickness accompanying the
carrying of forts by lassault. The duties performed on Morris
Island constitute one chapter in the history of the regiment of
which every member may be justly proud.
Morris Island having been abandoned, the Eighth Regiment
was assigned to duty on Sullivan's Island. There was no enemy
on the island, and as a consequence the duties were comparatively
light. Details of men for the purpose of strengthening the
fortifications formed the chief occupation of the regiment. One
evening when the regiment was on dress-parade in rear of Fort
Moultrie the enemy's iron-clads came up and gave the fort a
heavy bombardment. The parade was cut somewhat short, but
no casualties occurred. On the following day the regiment moved
to the sand-hills towards the eastern extremity of the island.
Quarters were erected among the hills with such plank and
material as the men could carry from the town, about one mile
distant. The regiment remained at this place till the 30th of
November, when camp was broken, and we marched to Mount
Pleasant, proceeding thence by boat to Charleston, where the
train bound for Wilmington, N. C, was boarded. On arriving
at Wilmington our journey was continued to Kinston, where we
remained about one week, when orders came to move to Peters-
burg, Va., arriving at that place on the 14th of December. It
being evening when we arrived, the regiment was ordered to
bivouack in the streets. Accordingly small fires were built in
the street near the edge of the sidewalk, whilst the rock pave-
ment served as our sleeping-place.
396 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
On the following day the regiment marched out of town and
established camp about two miles from the city, just beyond what
afterwards became celebrated as Hare's Hill. The duties here,
consisting of ordinary camp duties and drilling, were light in
comparison with the service performed at Charleston. One cir-
cumstance is worthy of note, inasmuch as it shows the considera-
tion Colonel Shaw had for his men. It was the usual custom
when the troops were not on the march to have guards around
the camp. This camp was an exception. Colonel Shaw decided
to trust to the honor of his men and not to have guards. The
men seemed to appreciate the motive of the Colonel and very
rarely abused the confidence placed in them, notwithstanding the
nearness of the city offered many temptations for them to do so.
One hurried march down the James River, and return, in the
latter part of December, some twenty-five or thirty miles, was
made, and then the regiment settled in quarters for the winter.
The greater part of the year 1863 had been spent in the ever
memorable defense of Charleston. The year 1864 was destined
to bring to the regiment other, but equally severe, duties, hard-
ships and dangers. From January the 1st to the 29th the regi-
ment remained in camp at Petersburg. On the 28th orders were
given to prepare three days' rations. On the 29th we marched
to the city and took the train which had been prepared to carry
us South. We proceeded to Goldsboro, thence to Kinston, where
we arrived on the morning of the 30th. It was now evident
that the regiment was to form a part of the force which General
Pickett was to command for the purpose of making a demonstra-
tion against New Bern.
Arriving at Kinston on the 30th, the regiment marched some
five miles in the direction of New Bern and bivouacked for the
night. On the morning of the 31st the march was continued,
approaching the enemy's pickets in the evening. Early on the
morning of the 1st of February, sometime before daybreak, we
were ordered to march. We were now near Bachelor's Creek,
over which was a bridge where the enemy had a block-house
strongly guarded by his pickets. Our advance guard soon had
Eighth Regiment. 397
work on its hands. The enemy made a stubborn resistance at
the creek. Whilst our advance guard was attempting to effect
a crossing and get possession of the bridge, the main body of the
regiment, under the command of Colonel Shaw, was resting by
the road-side, about two hundred yards from the block-house
which guarded the bridge. As the firing was brisk at the creek,
quite naturally the bullets came frequently over the regiment in
the rear. Colonel Shaw was sitting on his horse in the middle
of the road. General Clingman being close to him. While thus
awaiting the capture of the block-house and bridge, and
apparently not realizing that danger was about him. Colonel
Shaw was struck in the head by a bullet and instantly killed.
The death of Colonel Shaw was a great loss to the regiment.
His coolness under fire, and his calmness at all times in the
presence of danger had an inspiring effect on the regiment, and
doubtless much of the deliberation with which the men performed
their duties on the field or in camp was due to the example set
by their Colonel.
Lieutenant-Colonel J. M. Whitson succeeded as Colonel of
the regiment. By daylight our advanced guard had forced a
passage across the creek and secured possession of the bridge,
over which we marched in hurried pursuit of the retreating
enemy. The pursuit was kept up till we came in range of the
enemy's batteries around the town. The line of battle was
formed, but it was soon discovered that the enemy's batteries
could fire on us from front and flank. One shell struck in the
line of the Eighth Regiment, mortally wounding David Bar-
ringer, of Company K.
It soon became evident that an attack on the enemy's works
could not be undertaken with the least prospect of success. We
were ordered to fall back out of range of the enemy's guns, and
then began our Return to Kinston. The Eighth Regiment
arrived at Kinston on the 3d, remained there a few days, and
then returned to Petersburg.
Speaking of the conduct of his men on the expedition to New
Bern, General Clingman in his report says : " It gives me pleasure
398 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
to be able to slate that, though exposed on flank and front to
artillery fire, threatened constantly with attack by the enemy's
cavalry and infantry, the troops under my command performed
the movements ordered with as much coolness and precision as
I ever saw them on drill." He speaks also in high terms of
Colonel Shaw, and gives much praise to the men, stating that
there was not a single instance of desertion or straggling from
his command during the expedition.
The next duty the Eighth Regiment was called on to perform
was to go on an expedition against Suffolk, Va. The expedition
was commanded by General M. W. Ransom. The attack on
the enemy was made on the morning of March the 29th. The
force of the enemy, which consisted of cavalry and light artillery,
soon broke, and a running fight ensued, the enemy retreating
through the town to Bernard's Mill, on Black Water. The
Eighth Regiment suffered no loss in this skirmish. The enemy
having been driven across the Black Water, no further pursuit
was attempted. The regiment then returned to Petersburg.
While we were in this camp a heavy snow fell in March. The
Fifty-first North Carolina Regiment, then in camp near us, a
branch intervening between the two camps, concluded to surprise
and attack the Eighth Regiment with snow-balls. As the men
of the Fifty-first were forming their line, preparatory to advanc-
ing on us, they were observed. The Eighth took in the situation,
and as the Fifty-first came yelling towards our camp, met the
advancing line of battle at the branch. The snow-balling was
heavy, and for awhile the Eighth held its ground, but owing to
the superior strength of the Fifty-first, finally had to fall back
to its camp. A part of the Fifty-first crossed the branch and
followed near our camp, where they met with a repulse. The
Eighth held its camp and the Fifty-first returned to its quarters.
It was an excitable and enjoyable affair. *
After returning from Suffolk, and remaining in camp a few
weeks, the regiment was temporarily attached to General M. W.
Ransom's Brigade and ordered to go on the expedition com-
manded by General Hoke against Plymouth, N. C. We left
Eighth Regiment. 399
Petersburg, went to WeldoD, thence by Rocky Mount to Tar-
boro by railroad. From Tarboro we marched to Plymouth,
arriving before that town on the evening "of the 17th of April,
driving in the enemy's pickets.
On the 18th our forces drew nearer the town, and on the even-
ing of that day the Eighth Regiment, with some other regiments
of Ransom's Brigade, made a reconnaissance of the enemy's
works. The Eighth Regiment formed in a strip of woods
several hundred yards from the main line of fortifications. A
battery of artillery was to take position on the left of the Eighth
Regiment. At the order to advance the regiment moved out of
the woods into the open field and began pressing and driving
the enemy's strong skirmish line. The battery of artillery came
in at a rapid run, and taking position at the left of the Eighth
Regiment, about three hundred yards from the enemy's works,
opened a rapid fire on the -main fort in our front. The gun-
boats in the river also took part in shelling our battery and line.
One shell from a gun-boat came over the town, struck the ground
about one hundred and fifty yards in front of the Eighth Regi-
ment, ncocAe^fed and the next time struck the ground in the line
of the regiment, exploded, killing and wounding fifteen men of
Company H. Three of the men were killed outright, two were
mortally wounded, and of the others, some were severely and
some slightly wounded. The firing was kept up about. two
hours, when it ceased, the enemy's forts having been apparently
silenced. The wounded were carried to the rear during the
action and the dead buried that night.
On the 19th nothing except some skirmishing took place in
the forenoon. In the afternoon the regiment, with Ransom's
Brigade, was ordered to move around towards the eastern side
of the town and take position down the river from the enemy's
works. In attempting to pass Conaby Creek, on that side of
the town, a sharp fight occurred at the bridge over the stream.
It was about two o'clock at night before the crossing could be
effected. The passage of the creek having been forced, the
brigade formed with its right resting on the river. The posi-
400 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
tion the Eighth Eegiment held in the brigade placed it directly
in front of one of the enemy's forts.
At early dawn on the morning of the 20th the signal rockets
went up and the order came to advance. In the meantime a
battery of artillery took position in front of the Eighth Regi-
ment and opened a rapid fire on the fort in our front. The
regiment, in fact the • whole brigade, as ordered, moved off in
common time. Not a rifle was fired, not a word spoken. The
artillery was doing its full duty in keeping the enemy's infantry
quiet. When the regiment had advanced to within about one
hundred and fifty yards of the fort the order to charge was
given. The "yell" was raised and the regiment rushed forward
to mount the fort. Just at the moment the "yell" was raised
the enemy's infantry poured a destructive fire into the ranks of
the regiment. Our artillery ceased firing as the regiment
approached near the fort. The men rushed on, leaped into the
ditch and attempted to scale the fort. While the men were
attempting to climb over the outside of the fort the enemy
threw hand-grenades into the ditch. Those who were in the ditch
had to get out of it. The regiment then swung around to the
right and attempted to break through the palisades on that side
of the fort. The palisades had loop-holes, through which the
enemy fired on our line. At this point many of the men were
shot through the head. The regiment rushed up to the pali-
sades, and as the enemy pulled their guns out of the loop-holes
our men put theirs in and fired at those on the inside. Such
deadly work could not last long. The Eighth Regiment swung
a little further around to the gate leading to the rear of the fort.
The gate was burst open. The regiment rushed in and the fort
surrendered. "Three cheers for North Carolina" were given by
the regiment, thus announcing that the assault had been suc-
cessful.
One fort having been captured, the line within was easily taken.
But one strong fort (Fort Williams) remained in possession of
the enemy. The Eighth Regiment formed and attempted to
storm that. The men charged up to the edge of the surround-
EIGHTH REGIMENT.
1. Jacob E. Earnhardt, Color-bearer,
Co. H.
2. MidiiU'l Cook, Corporal, Co. H.
3. H. T. J. Ludwig, Drummer.
4. John D. Beaver, Private, Co. H.
5. Michael C. Ehineheart, Private, Co. H.
6. eager D. Barringer, Private, Co. H.
7. Cicero Barker, Drum-Major, Co. K.
Eighth Eegiment. 401
ing ditch, only to find that it could not be crossed. There "was
but oue of two courses to take, to-wit : either to fall back or
surrender. The regiment chose the former. When the retreat
began the enemy poured a fearful volley, into the ranks, killing
and wounding many of the men. This charge was reckless and
unnecessary. It was made under the flush of victory, not by
the order of the commanding general. The fort, being sur-
rounded, would have had to surrender anyhow, as it did a few
hours afterwards. With the fail of Fort Williams the capture
of Plymouth was made complete. It was a brilliant victory,
but the Eighth Regiment paid dearly for its share in it. The
regiment lost one hundred and fifty-four men killed and wounded,
about one-third of its number. Lieutenant Langly, Company
G, was killed, and Captain Cook, Company H, and Lieutenant
Thompson, Company F, were among the wounded. Francis J.
Perkins, Company A, color-bearer of the regiment, fell mortally
wounded on the morning of the 20th. A few days afterwards
Jacob R. Earnhardt, Company H, was appointed color-bearer.
To illustrate another phase of war, it may not be without
interest to narrate an incident or two that occurred on the battle-
field of Plymouth. The following two are, therefore, given :
As the ambulance corps was following the regiment, and hav-
ing come to the point where the first charge began on the morn-
ing of the 20th, one of the first men they found lying on the
field was James Misenheimer, of Company H, who was mor-
tally wounded. A member of the corps went to him and asked
if he was wounded. He answered yes, that a whole shell had
gone through him, and that it was from our own artillery. Poor
fellow, he thought that after passing our battery the artillery
had shot him. This was a mistake. The artillery fired over
the heads of the men. He was shot by the enemy's infantry,
the ball passing through the stomach. He said to the one speak-
ing to him : "Tom, is that you?" On being told that it was, he
added: "Write to mother and tell her I am killed." He died
that day.
26
402 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Again, color-bearer Perkins was carried to the rear mortally
wounded, and as he lay in a barn which had been taken for use
for the wounded and dying, in conversation with a friend and
member of the regiment, who was with him, he asked what the
men thought of his conduct that day. On being told that all
were praising him for his gallantry, he then said : "If that is so,
if it were not for my sister, I would not mind dying."
Thus, among many others, fell two brave men, their last
thoughts wandering far away to their homes, the one thinking
of a dear mother living among the hills of Cabarrus, the other
of a dear sister whom he had left at his home in Virginia. How
many thousands of similar incidents might be recorded ! How
many thousands of dying soldiers, whose last thoughts were of
loved ones at home, but for whom there were no friends present
to receive the parting messages ! But, then, such is war.
After a few days' rest at Plymouth the regiment, with the
other troops of the expedition, began the march to Washington,
N. C, which place the enemy abandoned on onr approach. Here
occurred a sharp skirmish with the rearguard of the enemy.
Lieutenant Caifey, Company I, being among the wounded.
From Washington we moved in the direction of New Bern, the
Eighth Regiment crossing the Neuse and Trent Rivers and
moving around to the southern side of the town. While
maneuvering around New Bern, preparatory to attacking the
fortifications, orders came, on the 6th of May, to hasten back to
Petersburg. The regiment marched to Kinston, took the train
for Weldon, thence to Petersburg. The enemy had made a raid
into the country between Weldon and Petersburg, and had
destroyed the bridge over the Nottoway River, thus rendering it
necessary for us to march part of the way. Hence our return to
Petersburg was delayed, but not long enough to be of serious
consequence. We arrived there in time to prevent the capture
of the city.
On our arrival at Petersburg the regiment, having resumed
its place in Clingman's Brigade, was ordered to Drewry's Bluff.
The enemy was attempting to cut the communications of Rich-
Eighth Regiment. 403
mond with the South, the chief source for supplying Lee's army
with provisions. An army can exist longer without something
to shoot than it can without something to eat. A vital point to
the life of the Confederacy had been threatened. The communi-
cations of Richmond with the South had to be protected. It
was evident that there was work ahead for the regiment.
On the 18th skirmishing began, and the line of battle was
established. Ransom's* Division forming the left, Hoke's Division
the right, Clingman's and Corse's Brigades, under the command
of Brigadier-General Colquitt, being held in reserve. Early on the
morning of the 16th the battle began, Ransom's Division begin-
ning the attack. Soon the roar of artillery and the rattle of
musketry extended to the right. Hoke's Division became hotly
engaged, and Johnson's Brigade, of that division, was hard
pressed. The reserves were ordered in and the enemy driven
back. When the reserves were ordered in tlie Eighth Regiment
moved forward to the charge with the steadiness characteristic of
Carolina's soldiers. The enemy's resistance was stubborn and
the regiment suffered severely. Among the wounded was ex-
Governor, at that time Captain T. J. Jarvis, of Company B.
During the greater part of the day the roar of battle was incessant.
Tl;ie enemy was driven back and at night- fall the two armies
ceased firing. On the 17th, 18th and 19th skirmishing continued
with more or less briskness, the enemy being driven back until
he was compelled to establish his line across Bermuda Hundred
Neck.
On the 20th the commanding general, Beauregard, ordered an
advance. The Eighth Regiment was engaged in the charge, and
moved forward under a destructive fire against the enemy's line.
The enemy was forced back, but the regiment suffered again
severely in both killed and wounded. For five days the regi-
ment had been engaged either in battle or heavy skirmishing
against superior numbers. The men in both armies seemed to
have been worn out.
After the 20th affairs along the line were comparatively still.
'Commanded by Major-Gen eral Robert Ransom. His older brother, Brigadier-General
BI. W. Ransom, commanded a brigade in the same division.
404 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Some light skirmishiog was all that occurred to disturb the gen-
eral quietude that prevailed. General Beauregard in his report
of these operations, says: "Too much praise cannot be given to
the oiEcers and men who fought the battle of Drewry's Bluff."
During the five days' fighting at Drewry's Bluff and Bermuda
Hundred Neck the Eighth Eegiment lost between eighty and
one hundred officers and men killed and wounded. Among the
officers wounded were Captain Cook, Company H, and Captain
Hines, Company G.
Hoke's Division was now ordered to re-inforce Lee's Army,
which had just fought the great battles of the Wilderness and
Spottsylvania Court House. Oo the 30th of May we boarded
the train, arriving at Richmond that day, and thence marching
towards Cold Harbor. On the 31st Clingman's Brigade crossed
the Chickahominy at Gaines' Mill and moved in the direction of
the enemy. It was in the afternoon of the 31st that the opera-
tions culminating in the battle of Cold Harbor began. The
Eighth Regiment was attacked by' the enemy's cavalry in flank
and rear, losing a considerable number of men killed, wounded
and captured. The regiment had to fall back and take a new
position, which was strengthened during the night, preparatory
to meeting the expected attack on the following day.
On June the 1st the enemy's infantry advanced in heavy force
against our line. The Eighth Regiment formed the extreme left
of Hoke's Division, Anderson's Division coming next. There
was an interval between the left of the regiment and the right
of Anderson's Division, caused by what was thought to be an
impassable swamp. Through that swamp and interval the enemy
forced his way. The Eighth Regiment was attacked in front,
flank and rear. The enemy charged up to the line of works
which had been prepared hurriedly during the previous night.
A furious fight ensued. The regiment held its line for some
time, but was forced back, though not in defeat. The men rallied
and in turn charged the enemy. For a while the enemy stood,
but finally the pressure became too great. He gave way, but
rallied and charged our line a second time. Again the regiment
was forced back. Again it rallied and drove the enemy before
Eighth Regiment. 405
it. This alternate giving way and rallying continued till it was
repeated the sixth or seventh time, when the regiment succeeded
in establishing and holding its line, a short distance in rear of
the original position held in the morning.
On the 2d nothing occurred except some light skirmishing.
On the morning of the 3d, at about 5 o'clock, the enemy assaulted
our line, but was easily repulsed. The battle of Cold Harbor
ended on the 3d. The Eighth Regiment lost in this battle, May
31st, June 1st, 2d and 3d, something near two hundred and
seventy-five officers and men killed, wounded and captured. Our
gallant Lieutenant-Colonel, John R. Murchison, commanding the
regiment, was killed on Juoe 1st while leading the second charge.
Major R. A. Barrier being at the hospital, Captain P. A. Ken-
nerly, of Company K, the senior captain, then succeeded in
command and gallantly led the regiment in another charge, when
the regiment, rushing on, drove the enemy back and re-established
the line. The regiment having to fight the enemy in two direc-
tions, on flank and in front, was cut to pieces. Among the
company officers. Lieutenant Ritchie, Company H, was wounded,
and Captain Leonard A. Henderson, Company F, was killed in
the third charge, while gallantly leading his company.
(It should be stated in justice to Colonel Whitson that, hav-
ing leave of absence to return to his home in Currituck county,
and having been captured while there, he was not in the battles
of Plymouth and those following, not getting back to the regi-
ment during the war).
After the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Murchison, Major R.
A. Barrier was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel and commanded
the regiment till the close of the war.
On the 14th Hoke's Division was ordered to Petersburg. The
regiment arrived at that point on the 16th, in -the afternoon.
There was no time to be lost. The enemy was advancing. The
line of battle was formed in the works around that city and the
approach of the enemy awaited. We were not long in waiting.
Our pickets were driven in and our lines assaulted. Two attacks
were made, both of which were repulsed. This battle was fought
406 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
over the same ground where the snow-ball fight took place in
March between the Eighth and Fifty-first North Carolina Eegi-
ments, the enemy occupying the place where the Eighth Regi-
ment camped, the Eighth where the Fifty-first camped.
On the morning of the 17th the firing began early. All fore-
noon there was heavy skirmishing. About 5 P. M. it was evident
that a heavy assault on our line was contemplated. The enemy
was massing his troops in our front. Just before dark the assault
was made. The enemy succeeded in breaking the line occupied
by the brigade on our immediate right and rushed his forces' into
the breach thus made. The Eighth Regiment was ordered to
assist ib driving the enemy out and regaining the line. The
work was done quickly and the line re-established. After several
hours' fighting the enemy retired, leaving our line unbroken.
On the following morning, the 18th, sometime before day we
were ordered to fall back to a new and shorter line. The part
of the new line occupied by the Eighth Regiment was in an open
field. The enemy appeared in heavy force, advancing with three
lines of battle in our front. It was in the forenoon, in the light
of a brilliant June sun, that the lines advanced in a clear open
field. If there had not been other and more serious things to
consider, the military display might have been looked upon as a
grand one. But we were not there to look at military displays.
The business our men had in view was to spoil such displays.
This they proceeded to do. A heavy fire was opened on the
advancing lines. They made a rush for a hollow or ravine in
our front, some three or four hundred yards distant, and there
established their line. No assault was made on our part of the
line on the 18th, but during the greater part of the day the regi-
ment was exposed to a heavy artillery fire, but few casualties,
however, happening from that cause. On the 16th and 17th,,
particularly the 17th, the regiment suffered quite severely in both
killed and wounded. The regiment by this time did not num-
ber many more than a good sized company.
On the 19th the regiment was ordered to take position in the
line of works next to the Appomattox River, thus forming the
Eighth Regiment. 407
extreme left of the army oa the south side of that river. Here
we lived practically in the ground. We walked in ditches, ate
in ditches, and slept in pits. The enemy's main line in our front
was about three hundred yards distant. The picket lines were
much nearer, probably not more than sixty or seventy yards
apart. No pickets could be kept out in day-time. Hardly a
day passed that the enemy did not fire on us from the battery
immediately in our front, or from mortar batteries to our right.
On the 30th of July the mine was sprung. One regiment of
Clingman's Brigade was ordered to the scene of the explosion.
The others that remained had to fill the gap thus made in the
line. The men of the Eighth Regiment stood one yard apart.
This thin line was kept up until the regiment that had been
drawn out returned.
On the 19th of August the regiment was drawn out of the
trenches to take part in attacking a strong force of the enemy
that had moved towards the Petersburg &Weldon Railroad. The
line of battle was formed and the charge made. The Eighth Regi-
ment had to advance through a dense thicket, as did the whole
brigade, or rather the whole of Mahone's Division, to which we
were attached that day. The division became scattered in the
charge and some of the men were captured ; some captured and
recaptured twice. It was a thorough mixture in the woods. Front
and rear seemed to be on all sides. The bullets came from every
direction. The victory, however, was on our side. About three
thousand of the enemy were captured. Mahone's Division was
ordered to camp in order that the men might be got together.
In a few days we were ordered to our old position on the south
bank of the Appomattox. In this battle General Clingman was
wounded. The Eighth Regiment lost several killed, wounded
and captured. Among the wounded was Lieutenant McAllister,
of Company H.
We remained in the trenches on the south bank of the Appo-
mattox till the 29th of September, when Hoke's Division was
ordered to Richmond. Arriving at that point, the division
marched in the direction of Fort Harrison, on the road leading
408 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
down the James River. On the 30th the brigade was drawn up
in line of battle for the purpose of assaulting Fort Harrison,
which had been captured by the enemy on the 28th. Ciingman's
and Colquitt's Brigades were to make the assault directly on the
fort, Ciingman's leading and Colquitt's following. The enemy
was well prepared to receive the assaulting lines. The line hav-
ing been formed, the charge was ordered. It was a charge in
open day, over open ground, about two hundred yards to the fort.
The Eighth Regiment formed behind a low hill. When the
order to advance was given the men moved forward with a rapid,
run. The order was not to fire until the fort was reached. As
soon as the forward movement began, and the regiment had got
to the top of the little hill, the enemy opened a terrific fire on
the advancing line. Before it got to the fort the regiment was
almost annihilated.
The regiment went into the assault on Fort Harrison with
about one hundred and seventy-five men and officers. That
night there were only twenty-five, commanded by Lieutenant
Dugger, of Company F. The others were killed, wounded and
captured. The color-bearer, J. R. Baruhardt, finding that he
could not escape capture, tore the old flag that had seen so much
service to pieces to keep it from falling into the hands of the
enemy. Of the color-guard, Robert W. Sawyer, Company K,
was killed, and Joseph N. Spence, Company A, was wounded.
John V. Fisher, Company H, was then appointed color- bearer,
and carried the flag till the end of the war, Earnhardt having
been captured and not getting back to the regiment.
The regiment went into camp for a few days. On the 6th of
October orders were giveu to prepare rations and to get ready to
march. Detailed men and others came in after the assault on
Fort Harrison, and increased the number of the regiment, but it
was still small. At night, soon after dark, we moved out of
camp. The next morning, the 7th, we were on the Darbytown
road. Our forces made an attack on the enemy's line. The
Eighth Regiment was held in reserve. For several hours we
were exposed to a heavy artillery fire. No casualties occurred
that day. We returned in the evening and went into camp.
Eighth Regiment. 409
When the line was re-established after the fall of Fort Harri-
son the Eighth Regiment was assigned to duty on that part near
the Darbytown road. We were put to work throwing up breast-
works. On the 13th the enemy made a strong demonstration
against our line, but did not assault it. On the 27th the enemy
made another strong demonstration in our front, but did not
assault the line. The skirmishing was heavy, but the regiment
did not suffer severely. After the 27th of October the regiment
continued in the line near the Darbytown road until the latter
part of December, nothing important occurring, only an occa-
sional light skirmish.
On the 22d of December we took the train at Richmond,
Hoke's Division having been ordered to Wilmington, N. C. The
ride from Richmond to Danville was bitter cold. We were put
in box-cars, where it was not possible to have fires. Some of the
men suffered very much from the cold. Owing to the lack of
transportation, we had to march from Danville to Greensboro.
Thence the regiment proceeded by rail to Wilmington, arriving
at that place on the 28th.
On our arrival at Wilmington we were ordered to old Camp
Whiting till the 12th of January, 1865, at which time the
enemy's fleet made its appearance, approaching Fort Fisher the
second time. We were ordered to proceed, without delay, to
Sugar Loaf, about four miles from Fort Fisher. We arrived at
Sugar Loaf on the 13th, and at once commenced throwing up a
line of works. About the time of our arrival at Sugar Loaf
the enemy succeeded, under protection of his fleet, in landing
his forces at Fort Fisher. A strong defensive line was established
between our line and the fort, thus cutting off the fort from com-
munication by land. Every foot of ground between our line
and the fort was in easy range of the guns of the enemy's fleet.
No line of battle could have existed under the enfilading fire of
the fleet and exposed to a heavy infantry fire in front, if the
attempt should have been made to assault the enemy's line.
Hence an assault being impracticable, the force at Sugar Loaf
could do nothing more than prepare to meet the enemy, should
410 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
he attempt to move towards Wilmington. Accordingly, we
were worked night and day, until our line presented a strong
appearance. In addition to the working on the breastworks,
light skirmishing was frequent, and oftentimes we were exposed
to heavy firing from the fleet.
On Sunday, January 15th, the assault on Fort Fisher was
made. The attack began about 3:30 p. m. and continued about
seven hours. While the battle was going on we made a demon-
stration in the direction of the fort, but nothing could be done.
It would have been a sacrifice of men without accomplishing any
definite result, except it would have been the destruction of our
force.
After the fall of Fort Fisher the regiment continued at Sugar
Loaf, strengthening the line, skirmishing occasionally, and fre-
quently receiving the attention of the enemy's fleet, which from
its position, just off Carolina Beach, was in easy firing distance
of our works. On the 11th of February the enemy attacked
our picket line with a strong force, driving in the pickets, but
did not assault our works. The skirmishing continued with
more or less briskness each day till the" 18th, when the regiment
received orders to fall back towards Wilmington. This we did
to a point within about five miles of the city, where we made a
stand and awaited the approach of the enemy. On the night of
the 21st our main army withdrew, the Eighth Regiment follow-
ing early on the morning of the 22d, and covering the retreat.
The regiment marched through Wilmington about 10 A. M.
As we marched out on one side of the city the enemy came in on
the other. The line of march was towards the ferry across
Northeast River. The enemy pushed close up to our rearguard.
At the creek, about one mile from the city, he followed so closely
that the bridge could not be destroyed. It was then practically
a fight from the creek to the river. The enemy had to be held
in check to enable our army and wagon-train to cross the river.
The last mile to the river was hotly contested. The regiment
held its ground and retarded the advance of the enemy's force.
As the regiment approached the river the enemy pressed the
Eighth Eegiment. 411
harder, always to be received with sharp firing. When the pon-
toon across the river was reached the men filed across. As the
last man entered the pontoon on the sonth side of the river it
was cut loose from that bank, and that end swung around down
the river. As the pontoon floated around our rear pickets came
across. As our last man left the bridge at the north bank of the
river the enemy appeared on the south bank. The pontoon was
lost. It could not be got out of the river under fire of the
enemy's sharp-shooters.
As the regiment crossed the river the men deployed on the
north bank. The river having put a stop to the advance of the
enemy, a line of pickets was left along the bank, while the re-
maining part of the regiment moved back about two hundred
yards to a small elevation and began throwing up breastworks
in line with the part of the army that had preceded us.
The regiment never performed finer service than it did in
covering the retreat from Wilmington to Northeast River. The
fact that the enemy was pressing us and that our army was re-
treating had no perceptible effect upon the coolness and delibera-
tion of the men. When the enemy came too close the line was
formed and his progress checked. Then the march was resumed
till the enemy came too close again. The men seemed to appre-
ciate the importance of the duty they were performing.' The
safety of the army, and especially of the wagon-train, depended
upon the steadiness with which they maintained their ground.
How well the duty was performed is told above.
After resting a few days at Northeast River, the regiment
received orders to go to Kinston, against which place the enemy
was marching with a strong force. We arrived at Kinston on
the 8th of March, and were ordered to a point called Wise's
Forks, a few miles from town, in the direction of New Bern. We
were not long in meeting the enemy, and the battle began. The
regiment was engaged more or less during the 8th, 9th and 10th,
the three days the battle continued. At times the fighting was
severe and the regiment lost quite a number of its men.
On the night of the 10th orders came about midnight to
march. We then set out for Goldsboro, thence to Smithfield.
412 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
where we rested a day or two, when orders came to move to
Bentonville.
On the 19th of March we effected a union with the Western
Army. The battle of Bentonville began in the forenoon, the
Eighth Regiment being held in reserve during that day. On the
night of the 19th the regiment established the line on the ex-
treme left of Johnston's army. Light skirmishing was all that
occurred oq the 20th, but on the 21st the enemy made a heavy
demonstration against our part of the line, driving in our pick-
ets, though not assaulting the main line. On the night of the
21st our army withdrew towards Smithfield. The Eighth
Regiment being on the extreme left, was the last to come out,
leaving before daylight on the morning of the 22d. Here again,
as at Wilmington, the regiment had to protect the rear. The
enemy pressed our rear picket guard closely till we crossed the
creek near by on our line of march. After crossing the creek
the regiment deployed and began constructing a line of rifle-pits
along the bank. In the meantime the skirmishing continued,
the enemy coming nearer as our rearguard fell back. Sometime
after sunrise, while the regiment was at work, a stray shot struck
a man from Company I, inflicting a severe flesh wound in the
thick part of the thigh. He was the last man the regiment had
wounded. The rifle-pits along the creek were the last the regi-
ment constructed. We remained there a few hours, then marched
to Smithfield. The loss of the regiment at Bentonville was not
heavy.
We remained in camp at Smithfield about three weeks, when
orders came to prepare for marching. When the order to march
was given we proceeded towards Raleigh, passing through that
place, thence through Chapel Hill, forming the rear of Hardee's
Corps. From Chapel Hill we proceeded to Haw River, which
we crossed at RufBn's mill. The river having swollen on ac-
count of the recent rains, it had to be crossed on the rocks above
the ford. The water was generally waist-deep, sometimes when
on a rock not so deep, then deeper as the rock was stepped off.
It was rough wading.
Eighth Regiment. 413
When the regiment was crossing the railroad, before arriving
at Chapel Hill, Governor Vance was at that point on a train,
bound for some point west. The men seeing the Governor, one
of them called out in a loud voice: "Hello, Governor, where
are you going?" The Governor, who was taking the situation
as cheerfully as he could, replied: " To the western part of the
State to prepare a spout for you all to go up." The train moved
off. We made no halt.
From Ruffin's mill we proceeded to Alamance River, which
had become impassable till the Eighth Regiment got there. The
water was up to the armpits of the last men that preceded us,
and the river still rising. While at this ford we heard the last
hostile cannon that was fired in our part of the army. It was
at Haw River, between our own and the enemy's cavalry forces.
It being impossible to cross at this ford, we were ordered to
Holt's factory, a short distance up the river, where the ford was
not so deep. The I'egiment crossed here, the water coming up to
the cartridge-boxes of the men.
Having crossed Alamance River, we proceeded to Bush Hill,
now Archdale, Randolph county, where news of Lee's surrender
was received. In a few days news also came that Johnston was
capitulating for a surrender to Sherman at Durham. On 26 April
the army surrendered, on 2 May the regiment was paroled, and
the men returned to their homes. The war was over.
Thus closed the term of service of the Eighth Regiment
North Carolina State Troops. During the three years and eight
months of service about thirteen hundred men and officers had
enlisted in the regiment. Of that number there were about one
hundred and fifty present when the end came. Some were in prison,
some were absent on account of sickness and wounds, many were
dead, having been killed in battle or died of wounds or disease.
During the war, counting skirmishes, battles and sieges, the
regiment had been under fire on or about two hundred separate
occasions. In honor to the officers and men who composed the
regiment, it is but jusfto say that they never refused to move
forward when ordered, or to rally when pressed back by the
414 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
enemy. They went where duty called them. The best of
soldiers can do no more. The history they made belongs to
North Carolina.
Before closing I wish to say a word or two to the survivors
with reference to what has been written above. The sketch has
been prepared by request. I feel that it may not be as full as it
should be. I have tried to take the survivors over the ground
upon which they marched and fought during the days of 1861 to
1865. Having been an eye-witness to all, or nearly all that is
related, I do not believe that anything of importance has been
omitted. There were many deeds of heroism, both among offi-
cers and men. Bravery was not to hunt. If some one per-
formed a daring deed it did not signify that he was the only one
to perform it. The deeds done by any particular one would
have been performed with equal gallantry by others if duty had
required it.
I regret that I could not see more members of the regi-
ment than I did. I feel that it is due the parties to say that I
am indebted to C. R. Barker, Company K, Drum-major of the
regiment, and to the officers and members of Company H, for
valuable help when there were any doubts as to the facts I wished
to relate. The "Roster of North Carolina Troops" and the "War
Records," published by the Government at Washington, have
been consulted and used when they would give the information
wanted. It was not practical to mention the names of all the
killed and wounded. That has been done, probably as well
as it will ever be done, in the roster published by the State. It
was suggested that it would be sufficient to mention the officers
who were either killed or wounded. In attempting to carry out
that suggestion, doubtless there are some omissions, but they
could not be avoided, as the casualties given in the roster are by
no means complete, and it is hardly possible that after the lapse
of thirty-five years one would remember so many names, the most
of which were strange.
I have done the best I could. If tRe narrative here given
shall contribute in any way to perpetuating the memory of those
Eighth Regiment. 415
who stood devoted to their country, and of those who died for
what they conceived to be the right, the labor required has not
been performed in vain.
H. T. J. LuDWiG.
Mt. Pleasant, N. C.,
26 April, 1900.
NINTH REGIMENT (FIRST CAVALRY).
1. Robert Ransom, Colonel.
2. L. S. Baker, Colone:.
3. James B. Cordon, Colonel.
4. Rllfiis Biirrinjer, Captain, Co. F.
5. W. II. Cheek, Colonel.
0. W. II. II. Cowles, Lieiit.-Colonel.
7. A. B. Andrews, Captain, Co. B.
8. W. E. Wood, Captain, Co. B.
0. W. II. Anthony, Captain, Co. B.
NINTH REGIMENT.
(FIRST CAVALRY).
By brigadier-general rufus barringer.
The formation of the ten regiments of State Troops was a wise
step in the organization of the North Carolina forces. These
ten thousand men were made up of the very pick and flower of
the State — all enlisted for the war, and so forming a model for
others.
No one of these ten regiments attracted so much attention as
the Ninth, afterwards known as the First Cavalry. In the
selection of company officers and the field and staff, Governor
Ellis took special interest. The colonel and lieutenant-colonel,
Robert Ransom and Lawrence S. Baker, were fresh from the
cavalry of the United States Army, while the two majors, James
B. Gordon and Victor C. Barringer, represented the best capacity
and courage of civil life. The companies were selected with great
care, from numerous tenders, all over the State. The enlist-
ments were nearly all in May and June, 1861, and the first ren-
dezvous was early in July at Asheville; but about August 1st
the companies at Asheville were removed to Camp Beauregard,
at Ridgeway, Warren county, which was made a regular school
of drill, discipline and cavalry exercise and life. No troops ever
went through a severer ordeal. At times and on occasions there
were loud complaints against Colonel Ransom for the rigid rules
and harsh measures adopted. Exception was specially taken to
the line of promotion as used in the United States Army, instead
of the volunteer system; but the great majority of both men
and officers bore the severity of the service with patriotic forti-
tude, and enjoyed the ups and downs of the drill and the jests
and jeers of camp-life with infinite humor. So, by the middle
27
418 NoETH Carolina Tboops, 1861-'65.
of October all was ready for the march to Manassas, to aid in
guarding and holding the rapidly extending lines of General
Joseph E. Johnston. The final roster largely reduced the ranks
of oflScers, men and animals alike, as also all surplus baggage
and other impediments. Among other changes, the second Major
resigned, and the place was left unfilled so as to conform to the
other nine regiments.
The several companies were designated and commanded as
follows :
Company A — Ashe County — Captain, T. N. Crumpler.
Company B — Northampton County — Captain, John H. Whit-
aker.
Company C — Mecklenburg County — Captain, J. M. Miller.
Company D — Watauga County — Captain, George N. Folk.
Company E — Warren County — Captain, W. H. Cheek.
Company F — Cabarrus County — Captain, Rufus Barringer.
Company G — Buncombe County — Captain, W. E.. Wood.
Company H — Wayne County — Captain, Thomas Ruffin.
Company I — Duplin County — Captain, W. J. Houston.
Company JL— Macon County — Captain, Thaddeus. P. Siler.
The officers represented the best character and military skill
of the State — one being an ex-member of Congress. Four of
them, Crumpler, Houston, Ruffin and Whitaker, fell in battle.
Five of the others were wounded or otherwise disabled in the
service. To recount the endless marches and actions in which
they were engaged, would exceed the limits of this sketch. It
is only proposed to notice briefly the leading battles and actions
in which the regiment, as a whole, took part. Here also it is
proper to call attention to the use of cavalry — especially in
America, where forests and other impediments so often interfered
with mounted operations. It was soon found that in this new
oountry, even more than in the old world, that the best use of
cavalry was to make it act as the eyes and ears of the array.
But with even these limitations, it is estimated that the First
Cavalry was engaged in nearly one hundred and fifty actions.
Ninth Regiment. 419
These actions were often far to the front, or on the distant flank,
or in covering a retreat, usually without support of which
no official reports were made, and of which the main army rarely
hedrd. Yet in this way multitudes of the best youth and man-
hood in the land constantly perished, and now occupy unknown
graves.
On the march to Manassas nothing special occurred, except
that at Richmond President Davis reviewed us in person and
the people turned out en masse to see the parade. All agreed
that, up to this time, no such trained Confederate cavalry had
been seen in Virginia.
At Manassas we did duty on the advanced lines in front of
Centreville, with a constant round of alarms, surprises and dis-
tant picket shots, often attended with amusing incident and per-
sonal adventure. On the 26th of November occurred our first
regular fight near the village of Vienna, fifteen miles out from
Alexandria. Colonel Ransom, with about two hundred chosen
men, managed to surprise a Yankee scout of about the same
number, and effectually routed them, killing several and taking
twenty-six prisoners. This was a great feather in our cap, and
a source of much rejoicing, both in catnp and among friends at
home.
Up to December the cavalry at Manassas was without brigade
organization; but in that month General J. E. B. Stuart formed
the First Brigade, composed of the First, Second, Fourth and
Sixth Virginia, the Ninth North Carolina (First Cav.)and the Jeff
Davis Legion. Stuart went at once to work, and on the 20th of
December sent a large number of wagons to secure a valuable
supply of forage near the enemy's lines at Dranesville; all under
an escort of both infantry and cavalry. The Yankee general,
Ord, however, was too fast for Stuart ; a severe action ensued,
with a narrow escape of the trains and a loss to Stuart of one
hundred and ninety-four men. An incident on this occasion,
gave quite a repute to the regimental wagon-master, Jacob Dove,
of Company F. When Colonel Ransom heard of the disaster,
and asked if his teams were safe, the reply was: "Yes; Jacob
420 North Carolina Troops, 186 1-'65.
Dove not only brought out his teams, but brought them loaded,
and even made them jump fences."
Early in March, 1862, General Johnston evacuated Manassas,
and about the same time it was found that Burnside was sailing
for an attack on the coast of North Carolina. So the Ninth
Regiment was at once ordered to that State, and took position
near Kinston, where we remained until about the middle of June,
when we were ordered back to Richmond to co-operate in the
battles threatening that city. On the 29th of June a portion of
the Ninth with the Third Virginia Cavalry, both under Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Baker, was ordered to make a reconnaissance
around McCIellan's army. The North Carolinians were in
front, and struck the Yankee line at Willis' Church. A mounted
charge was immediately ordered, which led through a long lane
up to the Yankee camp. In an instant the artillery and infantry
of the enemy opened upon our devoted heads, all huddled up in
the lane, where orders and maneuvers were alike impossible.
At the first round sixty-three of the Ninth North Carolina were
put hors de combat, and the whole command was forced to retire
in utter confusion. Among the mortally wounded was the gallant
(now) Major T. N. Crumpler, universally lamented. This dis-
aster served as a wholesome lesson in making mounted charges.
During the next two days we were in the dreadful battles of
Frazier's Farm and Malvern Hill, and then took an active part
in the pursuit of McClellan to Harrison's Landing. For a
month following we covered the main front of Lee's army below
Richmond, fighting almost daily— especially at Phillips' Farm,
Riddle's Shop and Turkey Creek.
During this time Colonel Ransom had been promoted and
transferred to the infantry — making Baker Colonel, Gordon
Lieutenant-Colonel, and Whitaker Major. And on the 26th of
July the cavalry was reorganized under Stuart as Major-General,
with Wade Hampton and Fitzhugh Lee as Brigadiers. We
were in the Hampton Brigade, composed as follows :
First, Ninth North Carolina (First Cav.), Colonel Baker.
Second, Cobb Legion, Lieutenant-Colonel Young.
Ninth Regiment. 421
Third, Jeff Davis Legion, Lieutenant-Colonel Martin.
Fourth, Hampton Legion, Major Butler.
Fifth, Tenth Virginia, Lieutenant-Colonel McGruder.
We were soon called to the stirring scenes attending Pope's
retreat at the Second Manassas and Jackson's great flank move-
ment— fighting severely at Fox's Farm and at Fairfax Court
House — where we fell, during a night march, into another
ambuscade.
Immediately followed the first invasion of Maryland. And now
came, almost daily and hourly, contests with the Federal cavalry —
notably atUrbana, Frederick, Middletown,Catoctin Creek, Buck-
ittsville and Pleasant Valley — culminating in the capture of
Harper's Ferry by Jackson and the drawn battle of Sharpsburg,
the Ninth Regiment being in all of these.
At Sharpsburg we were on the extreme left, and when Gen-
eral Lee recrossed the Potomac we were cut off from the regular
ford, and had to seek a blind crossing, which we made at night
in water over girth-deep and filled with rock, brush and every
possible obstruction. This was even worse than fighting.
At last there came to both armies some weeks of much-needed
rest. Once only General Pleasanton crossed the river and made an
attack on our lines at Martinsburg, which being promptly met
he soon retired.
During this time the Phillips Legion, from Georgia, was added
to the Hampton Brigade. On the 9th of October Stuart started
on his famous horse raid into Pennsylvania. The force consisted
of one thousand eight hundred picked men and animals, with
four guns and five days' rations. It was at that time a most
daring and entirely novel achievement. In three days and two
nights this small force crossed the Potomac, made a circuit of
the Federal army, and, by means of special details, gathered up
• and safely brought out one thousand two hundred led horses.
At Chambersburg we destroyed immense army stores and at
other points inflicted serious damage to trains and telegraph
lines. But so admirably was the expedition planned and carried
out, that our only loss was one man wounded and two captured.
422 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
though often assailed by the enemy. On the march the Ninth
North Carolina was called on for much conspicuous duty. Lieu-
tenant Barrier, of Company I, was in charge of the advance
party in crossing the Potomac above Williamsport, while Captain
Cowles, of Company A, covered the recrossing near Poolsville,
in each instance under severe firing. When Stuart was approach-
ing his old headquarters at Urbana on his midnight march a
fancy struck him to make a call on some rebel lady friends at
that place, two miles off the regular line of march, and he called
for Captain Barringer, with his squadron detail of C and F, and
safely made the venture, though almost surrounded by Yankee
cavalry.
Shortly after this, General McClellan crossed his army over
the Potomac below Harper's Ferry and started for his new base
at Fredericksburg. This was followed by almost daily and
nightly conflicts with the Federal cavalry at Gaines' Cross Roads,
at Little Washington, Bar bee's Cross Roads, Amisville, and a
dozen other sharp actions. At Warren ton, on the 7th of Novem-
ber, McClellan was superseded by Burnside, and the fighting
again measurably ceased till the battle of Fredericksburg, Decem-
ber 13, 1862. Meantime the Hampton Cavalry held the
upper fords and we made several successful raids on the Yankee
rear at Dumfries and Oicoquan, capturing wagon trains, sutlers'
stores and all sorts of Christmas good things.
After Burnside's terrible repulse at Fredericksburg there was
no serious work between the two armies until May, at Chancel-
lorsville, but, nevertheless, the cavalry was kept busy, and the
Hampton Brigade from its camp, near Stevensburg, continued to
raid the enemy at every available point — on one occasion pene-
trating as far as Burke's Station and Fairfax Court House, and
on another the North Carolinians fighting nearly single-handed,
under Colonel Baker, the hot action at Kelly's Ford. So, also,,
on the 17th of March, at Kellysville, occurred one of the heavy
cavalry battles of the war. Here the gallant Pelham, of the
Stuart Horse Artillery, was killed.
As the summer opened it was observed that each army was
Ninth Regiment. 423
concentrating large bodies on the upper Rappaiiannoek — indicat-
ing oifensive movements. Stuart was in Culpeper county,
around Brandy Station, one of the few large open plains admira-
bly suited for cavalry movements. On the 8th of June General
R. E. Lee had a grand review of all his cavalry at that point —
numbering eight thousand to ten thousand men. That night
Stuart also gave a splendid ball at Culpeper Court House. The
next morning he was to cross the Rappahannock and take posi-
tion so as to cover the initiatory movement of General Lee in
his march to Pennsylvania, but Pleasanton was too quick for
him. At early dawn the Federal cavalry, with infantry sup-
ports, forced the passage of the Rappahannock at all available
points and fell upon Stuart while the men were still at break-
fast. The main action began at Beverly Ford, above the rail-
road, and while Stuart was arranging to meet this attack it was
suddenly discovered that the lower column, at Kelly's Ford,
had succeeded in driving off all opposition, and was now actually
in the Confederate rear.
Stuart's headquarters were at the Fleetwood house, about
midway between the two advancing Federal columns. Never
was a crisis more critical for a great cavalry leader. But Stuart
was always equal to the emergency. With a mere handful of
cannoneers and a single small Virginia regiment at Fleetwood,
he boldly met the rear attack under Gregg, while with equal
boldness he withdrew Hampton and Jones from the front
advance of Buford, leaving W. H. F. Lee to resist Buford as
best he could. And now opened the grandest cavalry fight of
the war — from eighteen to twenty thousand mounted men charg-
ing and counter-charging all over the immense plains of Brandy,
and through the long hours of a summer's sun and with ever-
varying results. In the thickest of the fight apd the longest in the
field were the Ninth North Carolina (First Cav.) and the Jeff Davis
Legion, led respectively by Colonel Baker and Lieutenant-
Colonel Waring. The Confederate dash and valor at last carried
the day. Late in the evening Pleasanton was forced =to retire
and recross the river, with a loss of nine hundred and thirty-
424 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
six men killed and wounded and .five hundred prisoners. The
Confederate loss was five hundred and twenty-three. The loss was
unusually heavy in Confederate ofScers. Colonel Sol. Williams, of
the Nineteenth North Carolina (Second Cav.), and Lieutenant-Col-
onel Frank Hampton, of the Second South Carolina, were killed;
Brigadier-General W. H. F. Lee, Colonel M. C. Butler, Colonel
A. W. Harmon and (acting) Major Rufus Barringer, with many
others, were severely wounded. Major McClellan, of Stuart's staff,
in his life of Stuart, makes special mention of the "splendid work
done by the First North Carolina Cavalry." He also gives the
Federal force as ten thousand nine hundred and eighty; Stuart's,
nine thousand five hundred and thirty-six. Next followed the
advance into Pennsylvania, Stuart covering Lee's right flank,
and for ten days resisting incessant attacks of Pleasanton at
Aldie, Middleburg, Upperville and Fairfax. Again the loss
was heavy in North Carolina ofScers; Colonel Peter G. Evans,
of the Sixty-third North Carolina (Fifth Cav.), Major John
H. Whitaker and Captain W. J. Houston, of the Ninth North
Carolina (First Cav.), were killed.
Immediately followed in rapid succession, the great move-
ment culminating at Gettysburg, July 1st —3d. While the main
army was crossing the upper Potomac near Shepherdstown, Stuart
was still east of the Blue Ridge, watching the movements of
Hooker. On the night of the 27th Stuart also crossed the
Potomac at Rowser's Ford, only eighteen miles above Washing-
ton, his immediate force being the three brigades of Hampton,
of Fitzhugh Lee and W. H. F. Lee. But Stuart now found
himself between Hooker and Washington, and it was difficult to
tell what might be the result of future movements, and he at last
resolved to attempt the entire circuit of the Federal army. At
Rockville he succeeded in capturing a Federal supply train of
one hundred and twenty-five wagons and teams; also four hun-
dred prisoners, some in full view of Washington. He paroled
the prisoners, but decided to take the wagons and teams with
him. Tliis incumbrance proved a serious drawback in his future
movements and probably prevented his rejoining General Lee
Ninth Regiment. 425
until the second day of the Gettysburg fight, July 2d. On this
account General Stuart had been severely criticised, but it is cer-
tain that his action was within the discretion given him. The
wagons and teams proved of great help to General Lee in his
forced retreat after the battle.
Beginning at Brookville, on the 28th of June, this small
cavalry force of less than three thousand men penetrated the
enemy's country as far as Carlisle, Penn., where it burned the
Federal barracks, and in five days and nights fought more than
a dozen actions, and finally came out successful on the afternoon
of the 2d of July at Gettysburg. The principal fights were at
Sykesville, Littletown, Hanover, Hunterstown and Carlisle. In
front of Gettysburg, too, the Hampton Brigade bore the brunt
of a severe fight, in which General Hampton himself was twice
painfully wounded, and the command devolved on Colonel Baker,
of the Ninth North Carolina (First Cav.), leaving Lieutenant-Col-
onel Gordon in charge of the latter. Here also a gallant North
Carolinian, Sergeant Fulghum, succeeded in rescuing the wounded
Hampton, in the very nick of time, from capture and possible
death.
With the exception of the action referred to there was no
severe fighting of mounted troops at Gettysburg. The wbrk
of death in those three dreadful days was chiefly from in-
trenched infantry and artillery on fortified heights, assailable
only by bayonet charges and hand-to hand conflicts. So, like-
wise, there was no serious engagement during the retreat of
General Lee until the 13th of July, at Falling Waters, below
Williamsport, when a large body of Yankee cavalry made a
sudden attack on the guard of our wagon trains. This gaard
consisted mainly of dismounted men called " Company Q,." The
latter, aided by teamsters and others, under General Pettigrew,
did good fighting and saved the trains, though at the lamentable
loss of General Pettigrew himself.
As after Sharpsburg in 1862, so now, after Gettysburg, both
armies sought much-needed repose, and there were no active opera-
tions of importance in which the Ninth North Carolina (First Cav.)
426 North Carolina Tegops, 1861-'65.
participated until tiie Federal advance at Culpeper. After that
came the hard fights at Jack's Shop and the second and third
Brandy Station, resulting in a highly complimentary order from
General Stuart to Colonel Baker for the part taken in these
actions and leading to Colonel Baker's promotion; but in con-
sequence of a wound he was assigned to special duty. This
also caused the promotion of Lieutenant-Colonel J. B. Gordon
to Brigadier-General, who was put in charge of a North Caro-
lina brigade composed of the Ninth (First Cav.), Nineteenth
(Second Cav.) and Fifty-ninth (Fourth Cav.) Eegiments. Cap-
tains Thomas Ruffiu and W. H. Cheek had succeeded to the re-
spective positions of Colonel and Lieutenant- Colonel of the Ninth,
and the former was now in command.
On the 8th of October began the flank movement of General
Lee on Meade, known as the Bristoe campaign, when occurred
two of the most striking cavalry events of the war, and in both
of which the First North Carolina Cavalry led the charge with
drawn sabres in a most heroic manner:
Fiist. On the 13th Stuart got caught in a very tight place,
under the following circumstances: In the very rapid marches
of Meade on several converging roads, with Stuart in hot pur-
suit, the latter, at night-fall, found himself completely hemmed
in between two parallel corps of the Federal army. Escape
seemed absolutely impossible, and as his command had, as yet,
been unobserved, he resolved on the policy of a painful silence
to await what the morning would bring forth. At early dawn
both of the Federal columns were put in motion and conceal-
ment was no longer possible; so, as a last desperate resort, he ran
his horse artillery up an elevated point and opened upon the
camp at Auburn Mill, as furnishing the best point of escape, and
hoping to throw, the Yankees into confusion and panic, but the
latter were all ready for action, and in an instant three heavy
lines of infantry skirmishers advanced upon his guns and
threatened his whole command with capture. Stuart ordered
Gordon' to charge, and Gordon called for the First North
Carolina Cavalry. Colonel Ruffin led the charge, but at the
Ninth Regiment. 427
first fire the gallant Colonel fell mortally wounded, and there
was a recoil of the ranks, when Major Barringer dashed to
the front and rallied the command; and again the charge
was made, and now with complete success, scattering the Fed-
erals in all directions. In the wild disorder and turmoil of
these charges, Stuart limbered up his guns, struck a gallop and
escaped round the Federal rear without loss, save those who fell
in the charges — about fifty. Major Barringer and about thirty
of his men charged clear through the Union lines and joined
Stuart down the Run. One of the thirty, private Carver, Com-
pany G, came out with seven wounds, but gallantly stuck to his
saddle. Gordon and Barringer were both slightly wounded, but
each continued on duty.
Second. A few days afterwards, on the 19th of October, Stuart
and Kilpatrick fought at Broad Run, on the Warrenton pike,
near the village of Buckland, eight miles from Warrenton.
After a few rounds Stuart feigned a retreat, but he arranged with
Fitzhugh Lee, who was at Auburn, a few miles off, at a proper
hour to attack the Yankees in flank and rear with both carbine
and artillery. Stuart then retired, with slight skirmishing, to
within three miles of Warrenton, when he paused for the expected
signal. At the first gun Stuart's whole command faced about
with drawn sabres with orders to charge. Gordon was in front,
with Rosser and Young on either flank, a little to the rear, as
supports. The First North Carolina Cavalry again held the lead
and occupied the pike. General Gordon now rode to the front and
simply said: "Major Barringer, charge that Yankee line and
break it." The Federals were about three hundred yards down
the pike, in spendid array. Barringer gave the commands:
"Forward, trot, march!" After a few paces, seeing the ranks
all well aligned, he added the command: "Gallop, march"; and
after a few more paces, he turned to the regimental bugler ("Lit-
tle Litaker") to sound the charge. This was answered with a
similar call from every regiment and a terrific yell. In a few
moments more the whole command was down upon the 'Federals
with drawn sabres. The latter stood their ground until the
428 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-'65.
column came within less than fifty yards of the extreme front,
when the whole line emptied their pistols and carbines upon our
devoted heads, and then deliberately wheeled about and galloped
off. The volley, of course, checked our speed and produced
some confusion all through our advanced lines; but in an instant
more the charge was again sounded and the pursuit continued.
The Yankees, however, preserved good order, wheeling and
firing at occasional intervals for more than a mile. At last
Major Barringer ordered the dashing Captain Cowles, of Com-
pany A, to break their ranks. This was speedily done, and the
whole retreat became a rout. In the meantime Fitzhugh Lee
had also routed the rear, in reserve, at Broad Run. This com-
pleted the panic, extending several miles and late into the night,
with the capture of Custer's headquarters train, many prisoners
and horses and a large amount of arms and equipments. This
action is known as the "Buckland Races," and for it the First
North Carolina Cavalry was highly complimented by General
Stuart and others; and in a special letter to Major Barringer,
shortly afterwards, General Stuart refers to his command "as a
pattern for others."
During the fall occurred the mishap at Rappahannock Station,
with heavy loss to General Lee, and forcing him back to the Rapi-
dan, the North Carolina brigade doing severe fighting at Stevens-
burg and other points. Then came the Mine Run movement, in
which Meade attempted to cross the Rapidan and force General
Lee to fight; but within three days he himself recrossed the river,
the First North Carolina Cavalry fighting at Parker's Store, Rac-
coon Ford and elsewhere.
Both armies now went into winter- quarters, our brigade at
Milford Station, but still picketing the Rapidan, over twenty
miles off. During the winter no special cavalry movements
occurred until about the 1st of March, when the Kilpatrick-
Dahlgren raid occurred, and three hundred men from the North
Carolina brigade, under Colonel William H. Cheek, made a
night attack on the raiders, near Atlee's Station, and completely
routed them, capturing many prisoners, with valuable arms, etc.
Ninth Regiment. 429
This was really one of the most brilliant feats of the war, and
Colonel Cheek was highly complimented for it.
On the 4th of May, 1864, began the Wilderness campaign
under General Grant. Just at this time £he North Carolina
brigade was transferred from the divison of Hampton to that of
Major-General W. H. F. Lee, and the Forty-first North Carolina
Regiment (Third Cav.), Colonel John A. Baker, took the place of
the Fifty-ninth North Carolina (Fourth Cav.), then in Eastern
North Carolina recruiting and picketing under Lieutenant-Colonel
R. Barringer, by special detail. At the time of Grant's advance
the First North Carolina Cavalry was on picket along the Rapi-
dan, and both Colonel Cheek and Major Cowles rendered valuable
service to General R. E. Lee in checking the advance and in
watching and reporting hostile movements; and also in captur-
ing some four hundred prisoners.
On the 9th of May, 1864, Sheridan, with twelve thousand
cavalry and a long train of horse artillery, started from near
Fredericksburg on his famous raid upon Richmond. The North
Carolina brigade, under Gordon, was hastily drawn in from
scattered points and joined in the pursuit; the whole under
Stuart in person. To meet this most formidable movement,
Stuart could take from the army only three of his brigades —
Wickham's, Lomax's and Gordon's — say four thousand men, or
one to three, trusting to Richmond itself to make the main defense.
Stuart, with the brigades of Wickham and Lomax, sought to
get ahead of the raiders by forced marches, while Gordon, with
his North Carolinians, almost alone, undertook the work of har-
assing the enemy and impeding his progress. This involved
incessant fighting, both night and day, with heavy losses of both
men and animals. The First North Carolina Cavalry especially
suffered severely, among the wounded being Colonel Cheek.
Fortunately Stuart got ahead of the raiders, and at the Yel-
low Tavern, near the city defenses, with Gordon in their rear,
the final conflict closed with the retreat of Sheridan, but with
the irreparable loss of our great leaders, Stuart and Gordon,
both mortally wounded and both soon to die.
430 North Carolina Troops, 1§61-'65.
During these and the next thirty days were fought the great
battles of the First and Second Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court
House and Second Cold Harbor, resulting in the virtual defeat
of Grant in his direct attempt on the Confederate Capital and
forcing him to cross the James and settle down on the long and
tedious siege of Petersburg and Richmond. During this same
period were also fought the great cavalry battle between Hamp-
ton and Sheridan at Trevilian Station and the lesser actions at
Todd's Tavern, White Hall, Haw's Shop, Hanover Court House
and Ashland. All of these were in thickly wooded sections,
where the men were often required to dismount and fight with
carbines. In fact, as the war advanced, the sabre grew into less
and less favor, and the policy of the great Tennessee cavalryman.
General N. B. Forest, was adopted, of using the "revolver on
horse and the rifle on foot." With these he accomplished won-
ders, and left a name among the first in fame as a mounted
leader.
And now, also, came many, changes in the North Carolina
Cavalry Brigade. Gordon being dead and Cheek absent, wounded,
the command of the brigade devolved on Colonel John A. Baker,
of the Third North Carolina Cavalry; that of the Ninth Regi-
ment on Lieutenant-Colonel R. Barringer. On the 6th of June
the latter received his commission as a Brigadier-General, and
the regiment was turned over to Lieutenant-Colonel W. H. H.
Cowles as ranking officer present.
This closes the personal connection of the writer of this sketch
with his famous regiment, and the remainder of the sketch will
consist of his knowledge of it as a portion of the Barringer
Brigade.
When General Grant once started to cross the James River
it was no time to fight battles other than those forced upon him.
The object was rather to gain positions and see who could com-
mand the river crossings and best secure any heights overlook-
ing the two beleaguered cities.
On the 7th of June the plan of his movements was fairly
developed, and the Confederate cavalry was ordered to harass him
Ninth Regiment. 431
accordingly. My brigade (embracing the First, Second, Third and
Fifth North Carolina Cavalry) was detached and hastened to the
lower fords of the Chickahominy. On the 13th we had fol-
lowed the main Federal column to Wilcox's Landing and by
the 18th we too had also hastened round by Richmond and
taken position two miles south of Petersburg. During these
rapid movements we had had several severe skirmishes with the
enemy, especially at Malvern Hill, Nantz' Shop, Herring Creek,
Crenshaw's and The Rocks, the First Cavalry often leading.
On the 21st of June, while guarding the Petersburg & Weldon
Railroad at the Davis farm, just below Petersburg, my pickets noti-
fied me of the approach of a large Yankee force of infantry, mani-
festly with the view of seizing and holding the railroad at that
point. We were wholly without support, but the thick under-
growth and other surroundings favored a vigorous resistance in
a dismounted fight. I selected a high point for my horse artil-
lery under McGregor, and as far as possible screened it from the
enemy's view. I also kept the Fifth Cavalry (Sixty-third
North Carolina Regiment) mounted, in reserve to support
McGregor and otherwise act as emergency might require.
I then dismounted the First, Second and Third Cavalry,
and formed two heavy skirmish lines, well concealed in thick
undergrowth in front of the railroad, with instructions for
the first line not to iire until the Federals were in less than
one hundred yards of them, and then after a single volley to
slowly retire on the second line, where the real fight was to be
made. At this juncture also the full battery of four guns was to
open. The plan worked well and proved a complete success. The
Federals were not only driven back, but in the panic that followed
the Third Cavalry, led by Colonel John A. Baker and my Aid,
Lieutenant F. C. Foard, rushed upon the Federal ranks and
captured many prisoners; but in the confusion which ensued
both Baker and Foard were also in turn captured. The Yankee
force in front of us turned out to be Barlow's Division of infantry,
four thousand strong, and were driven back with a loss of forty dead
432 iSToETH Caeolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
on the field and twenty prisoners, including a Lieutenant-Colonel
and two Captains taken. My own loss "was twenty-seven killed,
wounded and missing.
I am thus particular with the details of this little action be-
cause a question was afterwards raised as to the good faith and
fidelity of Colonel John A. Baker, of the Third, in so advancing
his lines and thus exposing himself and command to the risk
of capture. As a matter of fact. Colonel Baker was never regu-
larly exchanged as a prisoner of war, nor did he ever return to
his regiment, and he was afterwards openly accused of having
taken the oath of allegiance, while in prison, to the United States
Government; but I do not think any one, at the time of the
fight, dreamed of treachery, and he was highly complimented by
all for the spirit and skill with which he led his men in the short
advance he made. As it was, too, our main loss fell on his
regiment.
At the same time that this action was going on General Grant
was arranging for the famous Kautz and Wilson raid, and that
night the raiders, several thousand strong, moved on our right
flank, with' every kind of machinery, for the purpose of tearing
up and destroying the Southside and Richmond & Danville
Railroads as far south as Staunton River bridge. Early on the
22d General William H. F. Lee put his picket line in charge of
Chambliss' Brigade and one of my regiments (the Third), and
with my other three (First, Second and Fifth) and Dearing's
small brigade he started in pursuit of the raiders.
We first struck them at Reams' Station, ten miles south of Peters-
burg, on the Petersburg & Weldon Railroad, where they had de-
stroyed the depot, and then made straight across the country by
Dinwiddle Court House for the Southside road, on towards Burke-
ville. That night the work of destruction went ceaselessly forward;
for twenty miles the entire track was taken up, the cross-ties made
up into great piles and the iron laid across them so as to insure
complete destruction by fire. In the same way the work was
started the next day on the Richmond & Danville lines. In
the meantime scouting parties were sent all over the country to
Ninth Eegimbnt. 433
gather up horses, to carry off supplies, and to arrest leading
citizens. In this way the whole country was overrun, many
buildings set on fire and the track of the invaders made one
complete scene of desolation. We had several fights in the pur-
suit without any decided results, until about noon of the 23d,
when General Lee managed, by a forced march, to get in be-
tween their two columns. This occurred at a place known as
Black's and White's. It was Dearing's day to be in front, but
his force was not equal to the work in hand. He was just in
the act of being driven off and all of our artilleVy (two batteries)
exposed to capture, when the First North Carolina Cavalry, under
Major Cowles, was dismounted and hurled against the advancing
foe. This saved our guns but did not check the enemy's progress.
Just at this juncture, however, a detachment of the Second
Cavalry, under Major W. P. Roberts, managed to get in th&
Federal rear and right across the railroad track. And now for
several hours the battle raged. Whole trees and saplings were
cut down with shells and minie-balls, until night ended the con-
flict. That night the enemy abandoned the field and struck
straight across the country for the Staunton River bridge on the
Richmond & Danville line. In this action Colonel C. M. An-
drews was mortally wounded and about half a dozen other
officers were killed or wounded ; and so completely were the
men and animals exhausted, that on the next day a short rest
was taken. It was also decided that the two brigades should
now separate. Dearing was to move on the enemy's left flank,
while my three regiments were to follow the enemy's line of
march directly to the Staunton River bridge. This was the
most important structure on General Robert E. Lee's whole line
of communication for supplying his army. It had only tempo-
rary defenses, and was guarded by a small force of Junior and
Senior Reserves, with a few disabled soldiers, led by some gal-
lant Confederate officers who chanced to be present. But so
admirable was the spirit of the men in this great emergency
that they successfully resisted several preliminary attacks until
the Barringer Brigade came up, when a vigorous assault upou
28
434 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'66.
the Federal rear as well as their front forced them to retire and
seek safety by a night march down the Staunton River ma
Boydton and Lawrenceville.
My command had started out on this expedition with some
twelve hundred effective mounted men, but so terrible had been
the marching and so intense the heat, and so incessant the fight-
ing, that we now found ourselves reduced to less than three hun-
dred men and animals equal to the task of further pursuit. In this
emergency a small detail was made from the Ninth Regiment (First
Cav.), under Captain N. P. Foard, Company F, of that regiment,
to follow the track of the enemy, while the rest of the brigade
made a forced march on their left flank, with a view of driving
them into the trap so well planned by Hampton and Fitz Lee
at Sappony Church and Monk's Neck. Here the rout was
complete, including the loss of all their artillery, several hun-
dred horses and fifteen hundred prisoners.
The utter destruction of this great raiding party now gave my
brigade a much-needed rest. This enabled me, for the first time,
to turn my attention to the vital work of organization, drill and
discipline — a work always essential to cavalry success. In the
First Cavalry especially did the old spirit show itself of
making every man feel a self-reliance equal to every emergency.
More than half of this regiment were armed and equipped from
the enemy. One company (F) boasted that its entire outfit had
been taken from the foe. .
At last, on the 28th of July, we were hastened to the north
bank of the James to meet a threatened move of the enemy on
Richmond. We had a sharp engagement at Fuzzle's Mill, when
the Yankee cavalry suddenly withdrew and re-appeared in force
below Petersburg. We, too, soon followed, when on the 14th
of August the whole division was again ordered north of Rich-
mond, where we found the enemy within six miles of the city.
A series of engagements now followed, especially at Fisher's
Farm, White Oak Swamp and White's Tavern. In the fight at
White Oak Swamp General Chambliss lost his life in a vain
attempt to rally his men from a panic into which they had fallen.
Ninth Regiment. 435
General W. H. F. Lee in person rallied the Virginians and
formed a new line, with the First and Second Cavalry in
front, which swept all before them. During these actions the
brigade suffered severely, especially in officers. Captains Bryan
and Cooper, of the Second Cavalry, and Lieutenant Morrow, of
the First, were killed on the field — all officers of rare merit. On
our return to the south side of the James we found that the enemy
had gained possession of the Petersburg & Weldon Eailroad, and
on the 21st of August, General Mahone, with a large force of in-
fantry and cavalry, had been ordered to dislodge him. My
position was on the extreme right, along the Poplar Spring road.
All four regiments were actually engaged and swept everything
before them. But, much to our 'surprise, the attack by the in-
fantry somehow failed of success, and we, too, were forced to
retire with a loss of sixty-eight killed, wounded and missing.
On the 25th of August occurred the great combined action of
cavalry, infantry and artillery at Reams' Station. On this oc-
casion. General William H. F. Lee being ill and absent, the
command of the division devolved on myself, while that of the
brigade fell to Colonel W. H. Cheek, of the Ninth North Caro-
lina. General Hampton commanded the mounted forces, and it
was arranged that while the cavalry attacked the enemy in his
front along the railroad, A. P. Hill, with his infantry, was to
assail his intrenched works in the flank and rear. Never was
success more complete. We regained the railroad, captured
twenty-three hundred prisoners and took immense quantities of
small arms and intrenching tools, with untold numbers of can-
non and other munitions of war. Nearly»all the forces engaged
on the part of the infantry in this great battle were from North
Carolina, and General R. E. Lee wrote Governor Z. B. Vance a
special letter complimentary to the troops of the State, in which
he also made special reference to the conspicuous part taken in
the action by the cavalry brigade of General Barringer.
Thus in ten days our division had crossed and recrossed the
James River; had marched to Stony Creek and then back to
Reams' Station, making nearly one hundred miles night and day
marching, and in the meantime fighting eight severe actions.
436 NoETH Carolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
Next followed an action at McDowell's farm on the 27th of
September, capturing a major and twenty other prisoners, but
with severe loss to us in the death of the brave Captain Turner
and other meritorious officers.
At Jones' farm there was a joint fight on the part of our in-
fantry and cavalry, in which several hundred prisoners were
taken, most of them by Beale's Brigade. During October cav-
alry operations were exceedingly active. We fought with varied
success at Boisseau's farm. Gravelly Run and Hargrove's house;
but the most important of all was the battle at Wilson's farm
on the 27th of October, when Grant seized the Boydton plank-
road, and we repeated the operations at Reams' Station and
with like success. In all these actions the Ninth Regiment took
a leading part, and in the last fight it and the Sixty-third (Fifth
Cav.) Regiment were conspicuously prominent, in fact, so com-
plete was our victory that during the night Grant abandoned his
position and fell back to his former lines. In this action my
brigade lost seventy killed and wounded, chiefly from the Ninth
Regiment.
In November came off Hampton's famous cattle raid. This
was one of the most striking cavalry achievements of the war,
and deserves a passing notice. The cavalry held General Lee's
right flank, extending in long, attenuated lines from Petersburg
along the Petersburg & Weldon Railroad beyond Stony Creek.
For this raid the whole line was virtually stripped of its protection,
and the troops under General Hampton moved by circuitous routes
to the enemy's position at City Point. There the hostile guards
and picket lines wer^ forced at the point of the sabre and a herd .
of cattle, numbering two thousand four hundred and eighty-six
head, safely driven out and conducted back to our camp. Of
course the exposure to our lines was very great, but the plans
for deceiving the enemy and keeping up appearances were well
carried out by the dashing P. M. B. Young, of Georgia, who,
by means of camp-fires, bands playing and artillery discharges
kept up a constant show of force. Meantime Rosser, with his
Virginians, struck directly for the Federal camps, while Wil-
Ninth Regiment. 437
liam H. F. Lee was ordered to make sure our lines of retreat,
and in this work it fell to my brigade to do some pretty hard
fighting at Belcher's Mill and other well-guarded points; but
so admirably was the whole scheme carried out that scarcely a
man or animal was lost. The distance marched embraced a
circuit of not less than thirty miles, and yet in neither night nor
day marching did a single mishap befall us.
On the 8th of December was repeated another of the ceaseless
attempts of the Federals to seize the Petersburg & Weldon Rail-
road, this time by General Warren at the village of Belfield. Here
the Junior and Senior Reserves of North Carolina and Virginia
made an admirable defense of the bridge until the infantry and cav-
alry came up, when the enemy was forced to retire. The main pur-
suit was made by my brigade, and especially the Ninth Regiment,
two squadrons of which, under Captain Dewey, making a splen-
did mounted charge.
The losses of the brigade were summed up for the campaign just
closed as follows: Killed, ninety-nine; wounded, three hundred
and seventy-eight; missing and captured, one hundred and twenty-
seven; total, six hundred and four. Distributed thus: First Cav-
alry, one hundred and thirty-eight; Second, one hundred and five;
Third, one hundred and fifty-three; Fifth, two hundred and eight.
The enemy's loss in killed and wounded was estimated at eight
hundred, with prisoners taken by us at fifteen hundred.
The brigade now went into winter-quarters near Belfield,
where we erected cantonments, and where we enjoyed a fair
degree of rest and recreation, disturbed, however, by long
marches for picket duty and occasionally some severe fighting.
The winter was a hard one ; forage and other supplies were
in very limited quantities and sometimes wholly insufficient,
often exposing the men to sore trials and temptations in
securing necessaries for man and beast. Despite all these draw-
backs, the brigade gradually grew in strength and numbers,
while as a matter of fact most of the cavalry commands in Vir-
ginia were greatly reduced in both efficiency and numbers. The
Virginians were beset by constant temptations to seek their
438 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
homes and the social attractions surrounding them. On the
other hand, the mounted men from South Carolina, Georgia
and other more distant States found it exceedingly difficult to
keep up their " mounts," and were also hard to get back them-
selves when once allowed to go to their far off homes. In this
connection it will be recalled that in the winter of 1864-65,
when Sherman threatened South Carolina, Hampton, with his
entire command, was ordered south to meet the Federal cavalry
under Kilpatrick. And yet, so reduced was the main body of
his force that the Legislature of South Carolina had to appro-
priate a million of dollars in gold to remount them. North
Carolina, on the other hand, occupied a happy medium between
these extremes, and under an admirable system of " horse de-
tails " and the thorough discipline of her brigades most of her
regiments were well kept up. This counted in several different
ways; we came to be relied upon, not only for the ordinary picket
duty, but in close quarters and hot contests the superior officers
almost invariably looked to the North Carolina commands for
the hard fighting.
Under all these disadvantages opened the campaign of 1865,
and when, on the 29th of March, Sheridan started on his grand
flank movement it was seen and felt by all that his heaviest
blows would have to be met by the North Carolinians, then
guarding General R. E. Lee's extreme right. My own four
regiments then averaged about four hundred effective men each,
with the prospect of large additions on the way with new mounts,
but events soon crowded upon us so rapidly that these were of
little avail. Sheridan's force was not less than ten thousand
mounted men, largely centered around Dinwiddle Court House,
well supported by infantry near at hand. W. H. F. Lee had
under him my brigade and the two small brigades of Roberts
and Beale, numbering all told not exceeding three thousand men,
with which to meet Sheridan and his host. Major-General Fitz-
hugh Lee was then in command of all the cavalry of .the Army of
Northern Virginia, and was at Five Forks, several miles north-
west of Dinwiddle Court House, virtually placing Sheridan
Ninth Regiment. 439
exactly between himself and Major-General W. H. F. Lee at
Stony Creek, nineteen miles off. Worse still, rain had fallen
in torrents and the streams were all overflowing. This forced
us to make a long detour in order to unite the two cavalry com-
mands of W. H. F. Lee and Fitz Lee. But on the 31st of
March we had overcome all difficulties and had successfully
reached the White Oak road near Five Forks. Here a small
stream known as Chamberlain Run separated us from Sheridan
at Dinwiddle Court House.
At this time I had with me only three regiments, the Ninth,
Nineteenth and Sixty-third (First, Second and Fifth Cav.), the
Forty-first (Third Cav.) being in charge of my wagon trains.
On approaching Chamberlain Run it was found that the Federal
cavalry had crossed it and was advancing to attack us. I was
ordered by W. H. F. Lee to dismount my command and meet this
advance. The Fifth Cavalry was in front, supported by the First
and Second, with Beale's Brigade in reserve and McGregor's
Battery in position. In this order we not only speedily checked
the enemy, but soon drove him in panic and rout, forcing him
across the stream, over waist-deep, all in the wildest haste and
confusion. Just at this moment General W. H. F. Lee ordered
one of his regiments from Beale's Brigade to make a mounted
charge; through some mistake of the order only one squadron
of the regiment made the charge, and this was repulsed with
frightful loss. This enabled the enemy to rally, and he in
turn finally forced my regiments back. In this short conflict
my loss was twenty officers killed and over one hundred men
killed and wounded. Among the killed were Colonel McNeill
and Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw, of the Sixty-third (Fifth Cav.)
Regiment, and among the wounded. Colonel Gaines, commanding
the Nineteenth (Second Cav.), and Major McLeod, of the Ninth
(First Cav.).
Both sides now began to fortify the lines up and down Cham-
berlain Run, awaiting the inevitable conflict rapidly gathering
around us. At last, about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. General W.
H. F. Ijee received a written order from General Fitz Lee to
440 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-'65.
drive the Federals from our front, in aid of some general move-
ment then about to take place. This was my day to be in front,
and of course it naturally fell to my command to attempt the
work indicated; but in view of the fact that one of my regi-
ments (Third Cavalry) was still absent, and because of the further
fact that my other three regiments had all suifered so severely in
the morning, I asked General William H. F. Lee to request
(1st) the withdrawal of the order, and (2d) if this were not
possible, to require one of his other brigades to lead in the
movement. General W. H. F. Lee wrote to Fitz Lee, urging
the withdrawal as indicated, but was told that military necessity
required its performance. General W. H. F. Lee also kindly
considered my request to substitute one of his other brigades
instead of my own for the attack, but pleaded their reduced
strength as a reason why he should not risk a change. I then
asked him for any suggestions as to the best mode of attack, as
in any event there would be great doubt of success and the loss
might be very heavy. He declined making any suggestions on
this point and left all to myself. I then gave him my opinion
of what I thought the only hope of success. The Run was still
very full, covering the bottoms for seventy-five yards on either
side of the channel, with only one crossing for mounted troops,
and the banks everywhere obstructed by logs, brush and other
impediments. My plan was to put the First Cavalry in on
the left, dismounted in line, and thus attack and draw the fire
of the enemy, and then, at the proper moment, to make a charge
in column across the ford against the enemy's main works, the
troops making this charge to be closely supported by my re-
maining' regiment, mounted or dismounted, as circumstances
might require. General Lee cordially assented to this plan of
attack, with promise of active support from his other brigades,
if necessary. The Second Cavalry was selected to make the
charge in column and the Fifth was to remain dismounted, with
bridle in hand, until the critical moment should arrive, to deter-
mine the part it should take. Every effort was made to shield
all these preliminary arrangements, and then suddenly, every-
Ninth Regiment. 441
thing being ready, Colonel William H. Cheek, of the First,
formed his line and boldly entered the stream. This (as ex-
pected) seemed to really disconcert the enemy, and they at once
concentrated a very rapid fire upon Cheek and his men. When
about half way over, and the enemy's fire was fully directed to
that point, I ordered the Second Cavalry, under Major Lock-
hart, to make his charge in a close column by sections of eight,
with instructions, on crossing the stream, to deploy both to the
right and left, as circumstances might require. The Fifth was
also instructed to follow, partly mounted and partly dismounted,
and adopt the same line of movement. Beale in the meantimebeing
stationed by General Lee so as to help either wing, as the emergency
might require. The whole plan succeeded to perfection. Lockhart
drove the enemy from his works opposite the ford, while Cheek
swept the lines to his left, and Erwin, of the Sixty-third Regiment,
carried the right. In ten minutes the whole Yankee line was in
flight and the Confederates in full pursuit. This was kept up for
some distance and with great slaughter, until night closed upon us
and a halt was ordered within some two miles of Dinwiddie Court
House.
About 3 o'clock next morning we received orders to retire to
our former position north of -Chamberlain Run, where we re-
mained to await the result of the great battle of Five Forks,
then about opening.
My losses in this last attack and assault amounted to ten offi-
cers and nearly one hundred men killed and wounded. Among
the killed were Captains Coleman and Dewey and Lieutenants
Arrafield, Blair and Powell, of the Ninth; Lieutenant Hathaway,
of the Nineteenth, and Captain Harris and Lieutenant Lindsay of
the Sixty-third, and two others. Among the wounded were Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Cowles and Captains Anthony, Iredell, Johnston
and Smith, with Lieutenants Mast and Steele, of the Ninth; Lieu-
tenants Jordan and Turner, of the Nineteenth; Lieutenants Nott,
Sockwell and Wharton, of the Sixty-third — all severely. I had
only two field officers left in the three regiments — Colonel Cheek
442 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
and Major Lockhart. The former had his hat struck and horse
killed; Loqkhart escaped unhurt, to get a ball the next day,
which he still bears.
Despite these terrible losses and the havoc of death among
them, when the men rushed upon the enemy's works cheer after
cheer rent the air, and the victorious troopers of the First North
Carolina Cavalry Brigade still cherished hope that General R. E.
Lee would win in the final mighty struggle then at hand; but
next day saw another sight. In the disastrous defeat at Five
Forks on the 1st of April the last hopes of the Confederacy
went down in darkness and despair. It is believed that this
cavalry triumph at Chamberlain Run on the 31st of March, 1865,
was the last marked victory won by our arms. Next day Sheri-
dan assaulted our works at Five Forks and drove all before him.
My brigade was still on the White Oak road, on our extreme
right, and as his victorious legions swept our immediate right
the Ninth and Sixty-third Regiments did some of their old-time
fighting. The Ninth was on picket some two miles distant, but
under proper orders the whole command took up its line of
march for the rendezvous at Pott's, a few miles off on the South-
side Railroad, where also the next day Lieutenant-Colonel Roger
Moore, of the Forty-first, appeared with his command and the
remnant of our trains.
Next day, April 1st, at 12 m., we heard of the fall of
Petersburg, and got orders to join in the retreat. That night
we camped near Namozine Church, twenty-five miles above
Petersburg, covering the extreme rear on that line. Early
on the morning of April 3d we took position at Namozine
Church to await the advance of the Federal cavalry in its
victorious rush with overwhelming numbers. With less than
eight hundred men in the line, I had to receive the shock of
over eight thousand; but even this difference could have been
met with some hope of successful resistance had not a further
ord er come to " fight to the last." Among other dispositions, I was
directed to dismount one regiment, the Sixty-third, under Captain
John R. Erwin (acting Major), and conceal it in some out-
Ninth Regiment. 443
buildings and along an old fence row, with a view to a possible
surprise. But all in vain : in less than thirty minutes my
mounted lines were overwhelmed with numbers and the Sixty-
third exposed to certain capture. Orders for this regiment
to retire had all miscarried or been unheeded, when I myself, as
a last resort, dashed across the field with two of my staff to
guide them in pei-son through a heavy wood I still saw unoccu-
pied by the enemy. This saved the dismounted men, though
their horses were lost; but subsequently, in my efforts to rejoin
the division, I was deceived by a squad of Sheridan's scouts in
Confederate uniforms and was myself captured. The command
now devolved upon Colonel W. H. Cheek, of the Ninth; but two
days afterwards he also fell into the enemy's hands.
So far as I could learn, from this on to the surrender at Ap-
pomattox on the 9th of April, the fighting was merely a round
of hand-to-hand combats, or in small special details in conjunc-
tion sometimes with other commands. All this tended to disin-
tegration and independent action. Probably not over one hun-
dred took the paroles tendered at Appomattox, though I have
never yet met one of the "old First" who did not get the bene-
fit of General Grant's generous terms and carry home with him
a good cavalry horse with which to start his "battle for a crop"
in the memorable year of 1865.
In this limited sketch no attempt has been made to note the
frequent changes in regimental commanders cpnstantly occur-
ring from promotion, death and other causes, but it is proper to
add here that the four doing the largest service in the cam-
paign of 1864 and 1865 were Colonel W. H. Cheek, of the First
Cavalry; Colonel W. P. Roberts, of the Second; Lieutenant-
Colonel Roger Moore, of the Third, and Colonel James H. Mc-
Neill, of the Fifth. They were all wonderfully efficient officers —
ever skillful and brave, and in every emergency equal to the
occasion.
RuFus Baeeingee.
NINTH REGIMENT (FIRST CAVALRY.)
1. George S. Dewey, Captain, Co. H. 3. C. J. Iredell, Captain, Co. E.
8. Kerr Craige, Captain, Co. I. 4. Jesse H. Person, 1st Lieut., Co. E.
6. Samuel B, Gibson, Ist Lieut., Co. K.
ADDITIONAL SKETCH NINTH REGIMENT.
(FIRST CAVALRY).
By colonel W. H. CHEEK.
General Barringer, in his preceding sketch of the First North
Carolina Cavalry, so fully described the organization, instruction
and movements of our regiment up to the time of his promotion to
Brigadier-General in June, 1864, that it is impossible for me at
this late day, with the limited data at my command, to enlarge
or to improve upon his narrative. There are, however, several
engagements, during the time covered by General Barringer's
article which I consider so well calculated to illustrate the talent
of our officers and the courage and discipline of the enlisted
men, and which added so largely to building up the reputation
of the regiment, that I desire to go back and bring them for-
ward and place them in a more conspicuous position than he has
given them.
And first in order of time comes the attack of Company B
upon the gun-boats in Roanoke Eiver in the spring of 1862. At
that time the preservation of the railroad bridge at Weldon was
of the utmost importance to the Confederacy. So, when the
regiment was returning from Eastern North Carolina to rejoin
the Army of Northern Virginia, Company B, Captain Whitaker,
was detached to do picket duty down the Roanoke, and especially
to watch the approach of the enemy's gun-boats. Captain Whit-
aker was a large planter on the river, and once when he was at
home, and the Company was under command of First Lieuten-
ant A. B. Andrews, the enemy made an effort with three gun-
boats to ascend the river, his object being the destruction of the
railroad bridge at Weldon. Lieutenant Andrews (now Colonel
A. B. Andrews, First Vice-President of the Southern Railway
446 North Cakolina Troops, 1861-65. .
System), very skillfully attacked him from the bluffs and other
favorable points, and so harassed and punished him that at
Hamilton he abandoned the expedition and returned to Ply-
mouth. This engagement of cavalry with gun-boats was a novel
proceeding, a new feature in warfare, and the first of the kind
that happened in our army. This success of Lieutenant Andrews
shows the wonderful capacity of the officers and men of this
celebrated command to contend with an enemy on water as well
as when mounted on horses or dismounted as infantry. Lieu-
tenant Andrews has kindly furnished me with the following
account of his operations:
ATTACK OP LIEUTENANT ANDREWS ON THE GUN-BOATS.
"On the morning of July 9, 1862 (I think this date is correct)
a courier from Mr. Burroughs came to my camp soon after sun-
rise with a note stating that three gun-boats had passed James-
ville, supposed to be on their way to Weldon to destroy the
Seaboard & Eoanoke E-ailroad bridge at that point, that bridge
being on the main thoroughfare between General Lee's army and
the South (as you will recall, that was before the Piedmont Road
between Danville and Greensboro was built). On reading the
note I at once had sounded " boots and saddles," and had my
company of forty-three men mounted, rode down the river, saw
the boats coming up and waited until they had passed the wharf
at Williamston, going up towards Weldon. There was great
excitement in the town. I asked some of the citizens to pilot
me up the river with a view of attacking the gun-boats from
different points along the river, leaving two couriers at William-
ston to report to me in case the boats should turn back and land
at Williamston. Mr. S. W. Watts (afterwards Judge Samuel
Watts) and a Mr. Williams went up the river with me. At a
place called Poplar Point, about ten miles from Williamston,
I stationed Second Lieutenant J. W. Peel with ten men dis-
mounted, with instructions to fire upon the first boat, which was
commanded by Lieutenant Flusser, of the United States Navy,
and as soon as he delivered his volley to at once remount his
Ninth Regiment. 447
horses and report to me at Rainbow Banks, which was two
miles below or east of Hamilton. Rainbow Banks was a bluff
on the river, afterward fortified and called Fort Branch. I dis-
mounted the men I had and arranged them along this bluff,
taking position on the right of the company myself, and ordered
the men not to fire until I had commenced firing my pistol, and
then to fire and reload as rapidly as possible. I waited until
the front boat, on which Lieutenant Flusser was, had gotten
opposite me and then commenced firing my pistol, and the forty-
one men began firing and reloading and firing again as rapidly
as possible. Lieutenant Flusser was on deck, and I have never
seen a man display more bravery than he did in command of
this fleet. Finally the front boat passed us and opened its stern
gun upon us, shelling the banks so that I was compelled to
retreat, mount my horses and go to another point higher up the
river. The men had had no breakfast and it was nearly 1
o'clock in the day. I went to a farm-house near by and secured
what provisions they had, giving the men something to eat, and
then proceeded to Hamilton. On the outskirts of the town I
was met by a good many citizens who were very much excited,
and begged me not to go in the town, and asking me to go around
it, as Lieutenant Flusser had landed one hundred and twenty-
five marines and two pieces of artillery, and they were satisfied
that if I made an attack on them in the town of Hamilton that
they would destroy the town.
"I waited until they started down the river again and then pro-
ceeded down the river to undertake to harass them again at
Rainbow Banks, but they placed a boat in position and shelled
the banks until the other two had passed, and then commenced
shelling the banks upon the river so as to enable the first boat to
pass. I attempted at other places to fire upon them, but they
were shelling the banks on the river all the way down, and it
was impossible for us to get another opportunity to attack them.
I followed them until about nine o'clock, several miles below
Williamston, then returned to Williamston.
448 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65
"I did not get a man hurt and lost no property, except one relay
horse which I had left in a stable at Hamilton, and which they
took. Lieutenant Peel and all the men displayed great coolness
and bravery. Yours truly,
"A. B. Andrews."
Another action deserving of an extended notice is that of
Jack's Shop, fought on the 22d of September, 1863. As I for-
tunately have a communication written to the Fayetteville Ob-
server about the time by an officer of the regiment, which enters
pretty fully into details, and which is correct save in some par-
ticulars which that officer may not have had as good an oppor-
tunity for observation as the writer, I hereby insert it as a part
of this sketch :
"Messrs. Editors: — I think it due to our State to let her
know of the part her troops take in the various engagements.
That North Carolina has done her part in this war, the bones
of her sons moldering on every battlefield, from Bethel to
Gettysburg, will testify. No one except those who frequent the
hospitals, or visit the battlefields, or have access to the official
accounts, knows of the glorious achievements of our North
Carolina soldiers. Their deeds of valor will not be found re-
corded in the columns of the Richmond papers. I shall attempt
to give merely a sketch of the part enacted by the First North
Carolina Cavalry in the cavalry fight at Jack's Shop, Madison
county, near Liberty Mills, Orange county, Virginia, on the
22d of September. My observation was confined to my own
regiment; for that reason I shall speak of no other, for fear of
doing injustice to some.
" We received orders about 1 o'clock on the morning of the
22d to be in the saddle by day-break. As ' rosy-fingered Aurora'
tinged the eastern skies with the first streak of dawn the familiar
sound of 'boots and saddle' broke upon our ears. With the
alacrity of troopers of twenty-eight months' practice, we leap
into our saddles, and soon the regiment is on the march. The
Ninth Regiment. 449
old regiment is reduced to one hundred and thirty men. The
rest of the brigade fall in and we proceed to join the other two
brigades, which constitute Hampton's Division. The Second,
Fourth and Fifth North Carolina Cavalry, together with ours,
form Baker's North Carolina Brigade, now commanded by Colonel
Ferebee, of the Fifth. Our regiment is under command of
Lieutenant-Colonel Ruffin, Colonel Gordon being in command
of Butler's Brigade (Hampton's old brigade, except our regi-
ment). We marched within a few miles of Madison Court
House, where we came up with Jones' Brigade, and learned from
them that the enemy was in strong force at Madison Court House.
From here we start, under General Stuart (First North Carolina
Cavalry in front), to intersect the pike from Madison Court House
to Gordousville, which we did about six miles south of the Court
House. We did not find the enemy here, so we pushed up the
pike, Company F, First North Carolina Cavalry, acting as advance
guard, with sabresdrawn. We had proceeded only a short distance
when our advance guard came up with the advance guard of the
enemy. Our boys charged them and ran them back : the regi-
ment draws sabres and takes up the gallop, keeping close behind.
Just behind Jack's Shop (where we first fell in with the enemy)
there was a skirt of pines extending on either side of the road.
In these the enemy was posted, his dismounted skirmishers
lining the fence. Into this Company F, under eommand of
Lieutenant Foard, charged most gallantly. Here they were con-
fronted by an overwhelming force of cavalry, and from every
tree whistled a rifle bullet. After emptying their pistols in the
face of the foe the remnant of them came out and reported the
strength and position of the enemy. The column was halted in
fifty yards of the woods. It was deemed impracticable to charge
the enemy, posted as he was, in the woods. Sharp-shooters
were immediately dismounted from every company and thrown
forward, except Companies A and H, under Captain Cowles,
who were sent to the left to hold the flanks. These were soon
thrown out as sharp-shooters, and the whole regiment was then
dismounted. Major Cheek, whose horse had been shot from
under him, took command of the line. Our men gallantly
charged the woods, drove the enemy back, and for some time
29
450 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
held their position in the pines. The iight had now become
general. Squadrons of sharp-shooters were seen hurrying up
from our own brigade and Colonel Gordon's command to sup-
port us. It was here, while cheering on his men, the gallant
Captain Andrews fell, shot through the lungs. No braver or
better man has fallen during this war. He was universally be-
loved by all. His wound, which' at first was thought mortal,
now gives hopes of his recovery. The artillery now opened on
us, and General Stuart, who, with Colonels Gordon, Ferebee
and Ruffin, was in front, called to our boys to pick off their
artillerymen. After a stubborn resistance we were overpowered,
and fell back about two hundred yards, which position we held
until the enemy had gained our rear and we were ordered to
retreat. We had fallen back about a mile, when we heard firing
in our rear, and coming out on an open hill we found our artil-
lery posted to sweep every direction. The cause of this at first
we could not divine, but we were not long in finding out, for the
bullets began to whistle around us from every quarter. Colonel
Ruffin formed our command on the crest of a hill; we num-
bered only about fifty men. Of the one hundred and thirty
who went into the fight thirty-three had been killed, wounded
or captured; the others were scattered and lost for the time.
"The enemy-are now between us and Dixie, and we must cut
our way out. We move on. Just ahead of us we hear a shout,
and after a little we see a crowd of blue jackets coming in
divested of arms, canteens and spurs. Colonel Ferebee, with a
part of his command and a miscellaneous crowd from every
command, had charged and cut the Yankee line. The Yankees
having failed in their attempt to hem in Hampton's Division, as
they have always failed before, drew off, and we made our way
quietly to the river. When we arrived there we beheld another
large column of the enemy across the river and about two miles
above. We crossed at Liberty Mills and took a road leading
to them. The evening was far advanced, only a short time
remained of the daylight, yet they must be driven back before
night. We found a body of our infantry deployiug along a
fence and through a field, holding them in check. We went to
their left, under a ridge of hills, into a wood; Company K,
Ninth Regiment. 451
Captain Addington, was thrown forward as advance guard. We
came out of the woods to the left and in front of the infantry.
The Yankees were prepared for us, and opened a heavy fire of
artillery, with their usual accuracy. General Stuart now orders
the charge. The last rays of the setting sun are glistening on
our sabres as we raise the war-cry and ply the rowels to our
weary steeds. They participate in the excitement, and forgetting
their weariness, dash forward. It is a long charge, over hills
and gullies. The enemy has limbered up and taken his
artillery back to a safer position; further on we see a large
body of his cavalry, who open on us with their rifles; we
make for them through a shower of grape and rifle balls. Just
before we reach them they break and run, leaving an impassable
branch between us. At the same time a body of their sharp-
shooters open on us from the right. We turn upon them, and
close the day by capturing all who made a stand, twenty-four in
number.
" As I proposed in the outset, I have given an account of only
my own regiment. The other regiments of our brigade behaved
with great gallantry, made some splendid charges, and suffered
much. Our brigade suffered the heaviest loss. There were
ninety-two casualties out of about five hundred men who went
into the fight. Of Butler's Brigade the Cobb and Phillips
Legions and Second South Carolina only were present. They
were ably commanded by Colonel Gordon of this regiment, and
fought as they have always done, with the greatest courage.
Lieutenant-Colonel Delohy, of the Cobb Legion, than whom a
braver man does not live, was wounded in the leg and fell into
the hands of the Yankees while on his way to the river. Hamp-
ton's Division alone was present. They mounted about two
thousand men in all, and were confronted by over six thousand
Yankees, under Generals Kilpatrick and Buford. They had
started on a raid to Gordonsville and Charlottesville, but their
plan was fortunately nipped in the bud. During the night of
the 22d they commenced moving and fell back rapidly to their
old position. Everything is now quiet.
"First N. C. Cavalry."
452 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
In this fight at Jack's Shop the First Cavalry gave an example
of the value of the drill and the effect of thorough discipline,
coupled with the quality of cool courage, perhaps more forcibly
than in any other engagement of the war. The circumstances
of the beginning of the battle were a little different from those
described by the correspondent of the Fayetteville Observer,
who was conceded to be Adjutant George Dewey, than whom
there was not to be found a more accomplished gentleman or a
more brave and dashing officer. I had him promoted "for merit"
to the captaincy of Company H, his old company. He did not
see the first of this fight, for he was with Colonel Ruffin, back
at Jack's Shop, where he had stopped a few moments before to
have a shoe nailed on his horse. The regiment was temporarily
under the command of acting Major Cheek, who, with General
J. E. B. Stuart, was riding at its head about one hundred yards
in rear of the advance guard under Lieutenant N. P. Foard, of
Company F. We were momentarily expecting to meet the enemy,
and Lieutenant Foard had orders to charge on sight and I was
instructed to support him with the whole strength of the regi-
ment. When we saw the advance guard take up the gallop the
regiment with drawn sabres did the same. Soon Lieutenant
Foard was at a full charge, and as the regiment was rapidly get-
ing into like movement. General Stuai't said to me: "Be careful,
and do not run into an ambush." He then turned aside and
halted. As soon as Lieutenant Foard developed the position of
the enemy and we saw his strong line of dismounted men
posted behind fences, and with trees cut across the turnpike, I
thought we were in the jaws of an ambuscade. General Stuart
had not ordered me what to do under such conditions; " not to
run into an ambush " were my only instructions. I halted the
regiment and gave orders to "Return sabres!" "Unsling car-
bines ! " " Fire on the enemy !" Lieutenant Morrow, of Company
C, in command of the front company, was ordered to hold his place
and continue firing until I could get orders from General Stuart.
I galloped back to him and explained the situation. He ordered
me to dismount the regiment and deploy it in the field on the
Ninth Eegiment. 453
right. I dashed back and gave the orders. A line was formed
as promptly and as perfectly as if there had been no enemy near.
This was done in an open field, withia less than one hundred
yards of their sharp-shooters, in full view of them and under
a heavy fire. As soon as our line was formed we charged, firing
as we charged, and drove their sharp-shooters out of the pines
and the woods, back into an open field, under the protection of
their mounted supports. These were in full view, and appeared
to be about two brigades in regimental formations. We were
quickly recalled from this position and fell back about two hun-
dred yards, where General Stuart had established his main line.
Here, as dismounted skirmishers, and after we were re-inforced
by other men from our brigade and from Butler's Brigade, under
command of Colonel Gordon, we contended with the enemy for
several hours. Here it was that the artillery, as referred to by
Adjutant Dewey, was brought into action, and it was on this line
that Captain A. B. Andrews was shot. I cannot be mistaken as
to this latter fact, for he and I were near together at the time, and
I caught him as he fell. The enemy did not press us with much
energy, but kept up just enough fire to attract our attention and
keep us actively engaged. All this time he was moving the
greater portion of his command around our left, and was suc-
cessful in placing a large force on the turnpike directly in our
rear. It was only after some desperate fighting, with mounted
charges and counter charges, that he was driven off. This, how-
ever, was done by other troops of Hampton's Division.
In the many tough battles fought by this gallant regiment, not
even at Goodall's Tavern, nor at Auburn Mills, nor at Atlee's
Station, nor at Chamberlain's Run, nor on the plains of Brandy,
nor even on the drill or parade grounds did it ever obey an order
more promptly or execute a movement more beautifully, more he-
roically. The Old Guard of Napoleon never on any field of battle
more forcibly illustrated the effect of discipline and the power
of cool courage than did the First North Carolina Cavalry in
this engagement near Jack's Shop.
454 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Soon after the fight at Reams' Station I was detailed by Gen-
eral Stuart and placed in command of all the dismounted men
of his corps, amounting to upwards of three thousand men, and
was encamped at Orange Court House, reporting direct to Gen-
eral R. E. Lee. With this command we moved with the infantry
when General Lee advanced to Bristoe Station, and reached a
place called Greenwich, the private residenceofan English Consul,
on the evening of the battle, and about three miles distant. We
started out from Orange Court House with two days' rations,
and did not draw again until our return. For four days our
only food was what white oak acorns we could gather in the
woods. This march was called by the men who were so unfor-
tunate as to be in it " Cheek's famine."
It was when in charge of this command that the battle of
Auburn Mills and the Buckland Races were fought. The gal-
lant Colonel Ruffin fell at the head of the column, charging a
line of infantry at Auburn, and T, receiving a commission as
Colonel a few da^s afterward, was ordered to take charge of the
regiment. Lieutenant-Colonel Cowles (at the time Captain of
Company A, and second in command to Major Barringer), took
a very prominent part in both of these engagements, and has
kindly furnished me the following interesting description of
them.
AUBURN MILLS, BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL W. H. H. COWLES.
On the 13th of October, 1863, whilst our army was concen-
trating at Warrenton, General Stuart was ordered to take a reoon-
naissance in the direction of Catlett's Station. Taking with him
the North Carolina Cavalry Brigade, under General James B.
Gordon, with Lomax's and Funston's Cavalry Brigades and
Beckham's Artillery, he arrived at Auburn about 4 o'clock in
the afternoon. Leaving a portion of the command at Auburn
with Gordon's and Funston's Brigades and the artillery, he pro-
ceeded towards Catlett's, some three miles, when from the woods
across the open fields could be seen an immense park of wagons,
and heavy columns of the enemy's infantry, artillery and
Ninth Regiment. 455
wagon-trains were on the move. While watching this scene and
movement, and endeavoring to maise out the intention of the
enemy, Stuart received a message from Gordon that the enemy
were in our rear. Hastily riding in the direction indicated, Stuart,
still incredulous, met General Gordon, who merely said: "Come,
and I will show you." Riding to a point in view of the crossing
at Auburn, he could plainly see another and a similar column of
the enemy's infantry, artillery, wagons, etc., passing, and taking
the road over which he had just come. To endeavor to cut
through at this juncture was to hazard a large portion of our
cavalry and all of our artillery. The only alternative was to
"lie low," and make as little noise as possible, until dark or dis-
covery by the enemy (who as yet was entirely and strangely
ignorant of our whereabouts), when we would, if necessary, make
the best disposition we could of the artillery for its safety or
destruction and cut through. Such a thing as surrender never
entered into the plans of our leaders or the thoughts of their
followers. Limited space forbids a descriptition of the incidents
of that night, though it would make an interesting narrative.
Let it suffice to say, that we held our place in the hollow of the-
hills until the early dawn, when it was ascertained that the rear
of the enemy's two columns had separated, leaving an open space
through which we could pass. My own impression is that
General Stuart could not resist the temptation to give the
enemy a taste of our mettle in payment for the long hours
of suspense in which he had held us completely surrounded.
During the night Stuart had communicated by means of disguised
couriers, sent through the enemy's column in our front, with our
infantry commanders, planning an attack in concert with them,
which would have been a most excellent thing to have done, but
his plans were not understood or the situation was not compre-
hended, and so at the earliest dawn Stuart, having his guns in
position, opened upon them with all of his artillery and then
and there "was hurrying to and fro." Immediately General
Gordon ordered Colonel Ruffin to charge with the First North
Carolina Cavalry. The ostensible reason for this was to create
456 North Caeolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
a diversion so that our remaining troops could debouch into the
open road and pass in rear of the enemy's column. RufiQn, at
the head of the regiment, rode foremost into the charge — right
down upon the quickly forming ranks of the enemy's infantry,
amid the bursting, crashing shells of his artillery, which had
been quickly turned upon us in response to ours. Through the
open field, facing the enemy's infantry fire, the gallant regiment,
with sabres drawn, followed its gallant leader, when suddenly
there was a stop, a recoil — the brave and gallant RuiEn, with
several others, had been shot down at the head of the col-
umn, which caused some disorder. Major Barringer was not
immediately at band; the condition of affairs was critical;
something must be done, and to make sure, I called for my own
company (A) and the first squadron to follow me, and together,
with others, we renewed the charge even to the enemy's line of
skirmishers, who promptly surrendered. Seeing that we were
not supported, and the regiment at this time I do not think
amounted to more than two hundred men, while line upon line
of the enemy's iufantry, in double ranks, was steadily approaching,
I ordered the regiment back, which order was executed in fine style
by the commanders of the companies. I rode to a slight eminence
on our right, where General Gordon had just taken his position,
to inquire as to what we should do. As I did so I saw him reel
in his saddle, throwing his hand to his face. Inquiring if he
was hurt, he replied: "It is a mere scratch." A bullet had
grazed his nose, cutting the skin and severing a small blood-
vessel, which bled profusely. He told me that I had done right
in ordering the regiment back ; that the end for which the charge
had been ordered was accomplished, and exclaimed : " See there,"
pointing with his hand down the little valley which had given
us its friendly shelter during the night, where could be seen our
column wending its way. "We soon joined it undisturbed by any
further demonstration on the part of the enemy. In this affair
our loss was considerable, though I have no statistics to guide me
in giving it. It would have been- great with the loss only of our
gallant Colonel, Thomas RufSn. Devoted to the cause, his regi-
Ninth Regiment. 457
ment and the men who followed him, he was mourned for many
days.
On the 19th of October, 1863, the First North Carolina
Cavalry, under the command of Major R. Barringer, in company
with Captain William H. H. Cowles, of Company A, as second in
command, was slowly retiring before the enemy's cavalry in the
direction of Warrenton along the road which leads from that
place to Manassas via New Baltimore, Buckland and New Mar-
ket. Our forces in this movement consisted of the North Caro-
lina Cavalry Brigade, under the command of Brigadier-General
James B. Gordon, Young's Georgia Brigade and Rosser's Vir-
ginia Brigade, all under the immediate command of Major-Gen-
eral J. E. B. Stuart. But few, if any, besides Stuart and his
generals, knew of the plan of action, and that our declining every
overture for engagement and withdrawing before the enemy was
but a decoy to lead him on whilst Fitz Lee was preparing to
attack him in the rear and flank. The enemy, it is true, seemed
a little doubtful of our sincerity, and were not pressing very hard,
and when we had reached a point within some two or three miles
of Warrenton the column was moved into the field near the
road-side, the order given to dismount, but to keep in the order
of column and ready to mount and move at once. We remained
here until about the middle of the afternoon, when the order was
given to mount, the head of the column turned back into the
road towards Manassas, and before we had reached the summit
of the ridge separating us from the enemy firing was heard in
that direction. Sabres were drawn, preparatory to action, and
although I had been especially assigned in the morning to take
charge of the rear, and upon occasion to act upon my own respon-
sibility, 1 now took the responsibility, in the gratification of what
I thought would be construed as a pardonable curiosity, to move
to the front. The fire of the enemy was taking effect on our
column, which had halted, the head of the column resting upon
the crest of the hill. When I reached that point a soul-stirring
scene was presented : Our own column resting in the road with
cabres drawn and ready for action, with mounted skirmishers on
458 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-'65.
either flank responding to the enemy's fire ; Generals Stuart and
Gordon on the right of the road viewing intently the situation ;
the enemy's column (the pick and flower of the Federal cavalry)
confronting us and stretching in column of fours, completely cov-
ering the highway in our front as far as we could see, with
mounted skirmishers on either flank and evidently in readiness
to charge. Not a moment was to be lost; much, as every old
cavalryman knows, depended on getting the "bulge on 'em," as
Fitz Lee would say. Stuart called quickly : " Now, Gordon, is
your time!" and Gordon as promptly: "Charge with the First
North Carolina!" There was no time for the formula of the
parade ground. I neither waited for nor heard the command of
General Gordon repeated, but rode rapidly to the front, calling
out as I did so: "Forward First North Carolina Cavalry; I
will lead you ! " The response from the regiment, as it rushed
forward, was that wild,' unearthly, untrained, undisciplined, yet
to the enemy terrific and terrible, Confederate yell, which swelled
and grew as it passed from front to rear of our entire column.
Down from the crest of that ridge the regiment poured like an
avalanche. With flashing sabres and the impetuous speed of a
war-horse, nothing could withstand it. For an instant the enemy
hesitated, while some endeavored to rally and meet us, and,
notably in this effort, I remember well one officer. But it was
all in vain; panic seized them; the cohesion of their drill, dis-
cipline and organization was for the time destroyed, and indi-
vidual effort amounted to nothing; break they must, and break
they did. And yet, every time we ran into them they fought
like brave men, and I verily believe that if we had given them
two minutes more before taking the start we would have had the
fight of our lives for the possession of that road. As it was, the
front wavered, their column melted and broke, and though they
made frequent rallies and attempts to reform, we gave them no
time. Sabres and pistols were freely used by both sides in the
melees which followed every time they were attacked from the
rear. As we approached New Baltimore, a small village, our
column became somewhat scattered, the fleetest horses outstripping
Ninth Eegiment. 459
others, and the capture by us of such as would break away
from the enemy's crowded column contributed to this. At this
point Major Barringer's horse became unmanageable. Breaking,
or disregarding his curb, he rushed past everything, and as he
entered the town, in the effort to stop him, he was thrown against
a house with great violence, knocking the horse completely
over and down and striking the Major against the house with
such force as to cause serious injury to his arm and head, dis-
abling him from further participation in the action. This placed
me in command of the regiment. The pursuit went right on
through New Baltimore, passed Buckland, over Broad Run, the
enemy finally taking refuge behind their infantry, the distance
covering about five miles. I remember our own casualties were
small. Several of the enemy were killed and wounded and we
captured a good many prisoners.
This article does not purport to relate all of the incidents which
occurred in this action worthy of mention; some thrilling and,
strange to say, some amusing. Stuart, in his gay humor, named
it "The Buckland Races." It certainly stands alone as the
steeple-chase of the war. The regiment did well on that day, and
richly deserved the high encomiums it received from both Stuart
and Gordon.
atlee's station.
Another action during this time was that of Atlee's Station,
which is deserving of more extended notice than given it by
General Barringer. We claim it as the most important cavalry
action of the war.
On the night of March 1, 1864, General Kilpatrick, in com-
mand of five thousand picked men of the Federal cavalry, was
encamped about five miles northeast of Richmond, with the intent
to assault the city from that side at light on the morning of the
2d. He had sent Colonel Dahlgren, with two hundred men,
around to the west of the city to make this demonstration on
the 1st for a double purpose : first, to draw the Confederates to
that side of the city and thereby weaken their lines on the east,
where he was to attack at daylight next morning; and secondly.
460 NoETH CAEOLiifA Teoops, 1861-'65.
that they would there be in position the more quickly to release the
prisoners on Belle Island and turn them loose to pillage and
burn Richmond.
General Hampton, with his command, was encamped around
Bowling Green, in Caroline county. As soon as.it was ascer-
tained that the Federal cavalry had broken through our lines near
Spotlsylvania Court House, General Hampton began the pursuit
of it with about two hundred and fifty men from the First
North Carolina Cavalry, forty men from the Second North
Carolina Cavalry and a section of McGregor's Battery, under the
command of Lieutenant Ed. Sully. We left camp about mid-
night on the last day of February and marched continuously
through a terrible storm of rain, hail, sleet and snow, until about
midnight of the first of March we came in sight of camp-fires be-
tween Atlee's Station and Richmond. At the station General
Hampton and his staff went into the ticket-ofBce and he sent me
down the road to ascertain whether the fires were those of our troops
or of the Federals. His only instructions to me were, if I found
them to be the enemy's " to harass him all I could." We moved
down the road and soon encountered a picket. After an exchange
of shots he retired and, strange to say, if he went into camp, he
failed to alarm it. I immediately sent forward some scouts, who
soon reported the troops to be Yankees, and that they were all
asleep around their camp-fires in a body of woods. I went for-
ward, carefully examined the situation and prepared at once for
a night attack. I dismounted about one hundred and twenty
men from the First North Carolina Cavalry and deployed
them as sharp-shooters, under the command of Captain Blair,
who cautiously moved them up to the edge of the woods and
within fifty yards of the fires. He was instructed to lie down
and to keep quiet until the artillery opened. Owing to the
condition of the ground, I could put only one gun in action.
Every preparation was made to fire this as rapidly as possible.
When the first shell flew over him. Captain Blair was ordered
to rise, raise the yell and charge the camp. The scheme proved
a perfect success. The enemy was surprised, demoralized and
Ninth Regiment. 461
stampeded. We captured one hundred and fifty prisoners, one
hundred and eighty horses, carbines, sabres, saddles, bridles,
blankets and other outfits too numerous to mention. I did not
lose a man. Among the prisoners was a brigadier-general and
men from five regiments. This brigade was the rear of Kil-
patrick's column, and it was so badly stampeded that we pursued
them that night and (Jrove them in upon the camp of their main
body, which also became demoralized, and the whole command
broke camp about three o'clock in the morning and made for the
lower Pamunkey in a panic.
It was this attack of ours, which was in the hearing of Dahl-
gren, that caused him to withdraw from his position, or he may
have been signaled by General Kilpatrick. At any rate, in his
flight he passed very near a portion of my command about day
on the morning of the 2d.
At this time it was generally conceded in military circles on
both sides that had Kilpatrick been permitted to make his assault
on Richmond from the east next morning, and been supported by
Dahlgren from the west, that the city certainly would have been
captured. I do not wish to detract one iota from the fame or gallan-
try of the brave men who successfully resisted the attack of Dahl-
gren on the evening of the 1 st of March, but it is an error to ascribe
to them all the credit for " preventing Richmond from being
sacked," an honor which belongs largely to the First North
Carolina Cavalry Regiment.
After the attack on this rear brigade of Kilpatrick's was over,
and order restored in the captured camp, I caused a strong picket
guard to be placed in the road taken by the fleeing enemy, and
rode back to the station to report to General Hampton our suc-
cess. He went back with me to the camp, had the command
made ready to march, and began the pursuit. The night was
very dark, so we moved slowly and cautiously, shelling the road
in the direction of Kilpatrick's main camp, which was several
miles nearer to Richmond. Before daylight this body also had
left in a panic, abandoning several caissons and leaving a large
quantity of other camp equipage.
462 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
A short time ago I was asked by an officer of high rank in
the civil war which engagement of the cavalry in the Army of
Northern Virginia did I consider the most important as to the
results accomplished by it. My mind at once reverted to the
battle of the first Brandy Station. This is conceded to have
been the largest cavalry fight of the war. General Stuart had
eight thousand men in the saddle and the Yankees about twelve
thousand, and the action lasted nearly all day, yet what were
its results? How did it afi^ct the plans of that campaign?
Absolutely not at all. At that time both armies were on the
march. General Lee making for Pennsylvania and General
Meade moving on a parallel line to protect Washington City.
Both armies had Its cavalry on their flanks to conceal its move-
ments and to discover those of their opponent. Under these
circumstances the entire cavalry of these two great armies came
together on the wide plains of Brandy on the 9th day of June,
1863. The battle lasted from early dawn until near sunset, and
the losses were heavy on both sides; but the result did not
affect the campaign. It did not defeat, delay or hinder the plans
of either the great commanders in the least. They moved on
just as if this action had not taken place.
Later on, General Hampton, at Trevilian Station, fought
the second largest cavalry battle that occurred on the soil of
Virginia, and with very important results. General Grant was
attempting to transfer a large body of his cavalry from the James
River to the Valley to co-operate with Hunter in his work of
devastation, and in his effort to cut the East Tennessee & Vir-
ginia Railroad. General Hampton, with about four thousand
men, met this force of ten thousand men, under Sheridan,
near Trevilian Station, and after maneuvering and fighting for
several days compelled them to turn back. The results accom-
plished by this action were very important, for if Sheridan,
with his power on the field of battle and with his fondness for
the use of the torch, had formed with Hunter (a general
of like power and similar fancy for flames)' a junction in the
Ninth Regiment. 463
Valley our resources would have been seriously crippled
and our people would have suffered untold miseries from the
torch and from the " bummers." But had this plan of General
Grant's been successful, and had his plans been carried out; had
our railroad communications been destroyed and the Valley
devastated, would such results have been as disastrous and the
consequences as depressing to the cause of the Confederacy as
the fall of its Capital? We think not, and believing as we do,
that but for this night attack at Atlee's Station that the city of
Richmond would have fallen an easy prey to the assault of Kil-
patrick the Jiext morning, we claim for the gallant men of the
First North Carolina Cavalry the salvation of the Capital of the
Confederacy.
What other regiment can, with equal propriety, in one single
engagement claim results so great? Nor is this claim too great.
We have its confirmation from many officers, high in command,
of both the Union and Confederate armies. Indeed, a few
days afterwards President Davis personally thanked me, and said
that but for this attack he feared that the city would have been
taken.
In a recent letter from Captain J. C. Blair, of Company D,
he says : " I hope you will not be too modest to do yourself
justice as regards your fight near Richmond with General Kil-
patriek, for it was the most successful of any one during the
war. You know that you saved Richmond. Kilpatrick would
have taken the city' next morning. It was the best managed of
any fight I was ever in, and yet they think no one can manage
troops but a West Pointer."
I here insert a letter from General Hampton, written to Colonel
Wharton J. Green when he was preparing his eulogy on Gen-
eral Robert Ransom for Memorial Day : .
" Columbia, S. C, March 4, 1892.
" My Dear Colonel : — I am glad to learn that you are to
deliver an eulogy'on General Robert Ransom, for his character
and career reflected honor on North Carolina. It was my good
464 North Carolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
fortune to have the First North Carolina Cavalry in my com-
mand during the larger part of the war, and I always attributed
much of the efficiency of this noble regiment to its first colonel,
afterwards the distinguished General Robert Ransom. To him
was due, in large measure, those soldierly qualities which won
for his old regiment its high reputation (a reputation it deserved),
for, in my opinion, there was no finer body of men in the Army
of Northern Virginia than those composing the First North
Carolina Cavalry. Of the many instances when this regiment
distinguished itself I recall one, when, in conjunction with a small
detachment from the Second North Carolina Cavalry j'it performed
a memorable achievement in the defeat df Kilpatrick on his raid
attempting to capture the city of Richmond. With only two
hundred and fifty men in its ranks, under command of Colonel
Cheek, and with fifty men of the Second, we struck Kilpatrick's
camp at one o'clock in the morning, in a snow-storm, after
marching forty miles, captured more prisoners (representing five
regiments) than our number, including the officer commanding
the brigade, and put to flight Kilpatrick's whole force of three
brigades, in which were five thousand men. But on every field
this regiment displayed conspicuous gallantry. Your State,
which furnished so many gallant soldiers to the Confederacy,
gave none who upheld her honor and reflected glory on our flag
more bravely than did the First Regiment of Cavalry. I can
never forget my old comrades who composed it. Peace to their
dead, and all honor to their living.
"Sincerely yours,
"Wade Hampton."
goodall's tavern.
There is another important action which General Barringer
has failed to uo'tice in his sketch that deserves to be mentioned. ••
General Barringer's absence at the time in Eastern North Caro-
lina, on detached duty, accounts for the omission. I allude to
the fight at Goodall's Tavern on the 11th of May, 1864. This
Ninth Regiment. 465
place was a country hotel, ou the old stage road from Richmond
to Gordonsville, eighteen miles above Richmond. Here Sheri-
dan, with his twelve thousand troopers^ after breaking through
our lines near Spottsylvania Court House, had encamped on the
night of the 10th. The North Carolina brigade of cavalry,
under General Gordon, marched in pursuit all day and night,
and by crossing a large creek at a blind and unguarded ford, came
unexpectedly upon the enemy's rear brigade about dawn on the
morning of the 1 1th. The First Cavalry was in front and began
the attack without delay. The enemy filled the old hotel and
all its outhouses, stables, barns, etc., with sharp-shooters. These
buildings were in a large opening, and we being without artillery,
could not dislodge them. The fight between the dismounted
sharp-shooters lasted for several hours. Finally General Gor-
don took personal command of my regiment and sent me around
to the extreme right to take charge of a squadron of the Fifth
Cavalry and threaten their flank, so as to compel them to with-
draw from the houses. With this squadron I charged and drove
back their advance squadron in great disorder on to their main
support. At this juncture General Gordon, at the head of the
First, came to my support, and uniting this squadron of the
Fifth with them, we had the most desperate hand-to-hand conflict
I ever witnessed. The regiment we met was the First Maine, and
it had the reputation of being the best cavalry in the Army of
the Potomac. Sabre cuts were given thick and fast on both
sides. The staff of my colors received two deep cuts while the
sergeant was using it to protect himself from the furious blows
of a Yankee trooper. We drove them from the field, but our
pursuit was stopped by a battery of artillery and a second
mounted line which they had established a short distance in the
woods at Ground Squirrel Church. This line extended one
hundred yards on both sides of the road. To dislodge them
from this position, and to capture their cannon, if possible, I
took a squadron of my regiment and made a detour through the
woods in column of fours and struck them on their extreme
right. Here we had another hand-to-hand fight, which resulted
30
466 North Carolina Teoops, 1861-65.
in our breaking and hurling them back in confusion into the
road. Here again the sabre was freely used, and here it was
that while pursuing a fleeing foe, with the point of my sabre in
his back, his companion, with his pistol almost in my face, sent
a bullet crashing through my shoulder.
This fight recalls an incident that occurred in the rcttunda of
the Ebbitt House in Washington City on my return home from
Johnson's Island prison in August, 1865, which illustrates so
forcibly the reputation of the grand old regiment that it ought
to be told and handed down to posterity. The room was crowded
with Federal officers, all, of course, strangers to me. Feeling
very lonely, and wishing to have some one to talk with, I
determined to make an acquaintance. Seeing an officer of com-
manding appearance, with an open, approachable face, clad in
cavalry uniform, with the insignia of a colonel, I went up to him
and introduced myself as the late Colonel of the First North
Carolina Cavalry. He grasped my hand most cordially and
soon called up and introduced quite a number of other officers.
He said to them : " I have the honor of having met Colonel
Cheek once before. It was on the 11th of May last, at a little
place called Goodall's Tavern, about eighteen miles from Rich-
mond. On that occasion Colonel Cheek, with his regiment, the
First North Carolina Cavalry, which was considered the best
regiment of cavalry on his side, met the First Maine, which
held a similar reputation on our side. I saw these two fine regi-
ments come hand-to-hand, in open field, with drawn sabres. The
clash was terrific, the fighting was furious and obstinate, but the
First Maine was driven from the field. An officer of the First
Maine, after the surrender, speaking of his regiment, made the
proud boast that it was never driven from the field but once
during the war, but, said he, we consider that no disgrace or
reflection, for it was done by the First North Carolina."
I mention this to show the reputation of the regiment in the
camp of the enemy.
Being wounded at Goodall's Tavern on the 11th of May,
Ninth Regiment. 467
1864, the command of the regiment devolved upon Lieutenant-
Colonel Cowles until my return to duty about the 1st of August.
During this time scarcely a day passed that the regiment was not
on the march, and frequently in several actions during the same
day. It was during this time that the famous Kautz and Wil-
son raid occurred. It fell to the lot of the First to be put in
active pursuit and led by the dashing Lieutenant-Colonel Cowles.
The assaults on the enemy were fast and furious. Besides these
numerous attacks on the raiding party the regiment was in some
fifteen named engagements while under the command of Colonel
Cowles. He has kindly furnished me with an account of this
raid, which I insert:
THE WILSON RAID, BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL W. H. H. COWLES.
On the 21st of June, 1864, the Federal cavalry, under
the command of Major-General Wilson and Major-Geueral
Kautz, two full divisions, numbering about six thousand men,
well mounted, equipped and provisioned, were dispatched with
orders to destroy the Petersburg & Weldon Railroad and also
the Southside and Danville Railroads. Moving rapidly, they
struck the Weldon road at Reams' Station and destroyed the
track for several miles. Thence they pushed rapidly for the
Southside road. Our cavalry at this time was greatly depleted.
After the hard and destructive campaign in the spring, in which
we lost both Stuart and Gordon, with many of our veteran
troopers, and after Grant had settled down with his great and
superior resources to kill and wear and starve us out, we were
kept constantly on the move from one side of the river to the
other, fighting by day and marching by night, extending here
and there our long-stretched infantry lines until our services
were needed to meet and repel some demonstration of the enemy's
well-fed and well-equipped cavalry, now grown bold from our
diminished numbers and well knowing that we had no more men
or horses to bring and scarcely food for those we had, they could
well afford to exult and venture upon a raid.
468 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
General W. H. F. Lee, with his remnant of a division, pushed
on as fast as he could in pursuit of this large force. The weather"
was exceedingly hot and it was terribly dusty. In close column
it was almost impossible to breathe or see for the dust, so we were
forced to march in column of twos and with long intervals
between the regiments; but when we met the enemy at Black's and
White's, a small station on the Southside road, he was engaged
in tearing up track and doing the railroad property all the dam-
age he could. Disposition was at once made to attack. I
do not remember the order of march that day, nor who was in
front; I only heard the firing and closed up, quickening our
pace. Soon a courier came with the message to come up as
quickly as possible; then we pushed into a gallop, and as we
did so formed fours. I was in command of the regiment, and
when we reached the point where our artillery was posted the
firing was dense and heavy in the woods in front and to the right
of the road, and our forces, a thin line of dismounted men, were
giving away. I do not remember whose men these were, but
they were not of our brigade. The enemy could plainly be seen
at a charge on foot, chasing this line of dismounted men, and
evidently aiming for the capture of our battery, which, under the
gallant Captain McGregor, was stationed just in the open field to
the left of the road. General W. H. F. Lee was on his horse
at the side of the road with the expression upon his face of a
brave man hard pressed. As we came up at a gallop he exclaimed
to me: "Save the guns! Save the guns!" "We'll do it, Gen-
eral." "Prepare to fight on foot; dismount; front into line;
double-quick, march ! " was all the command I gave or had to
give that well-seasoned and gallant old regiment. The men knew
what was expected of them, and they never failed. Quickly
forming as they came up, they went in at a charge, through a
narrow stretch of open ground into the woods, each seeking his
own opportunity to fire and to fire accurately, for we had no
ammunition to waste. The blue-coated fellows had begun to
think they were to have it all their own way; one of them
Ninth Regiment. 469
fell right at the mouth of the cannon. I think he was
knocked on the head by one of McGregor's gunners with a
rammer. It was but a short tussle, and we had them going the
other way, back to the railroad cut, where, intrenched, they opened
upon us an incessant fire. Protecting ourselves as well as we
could by the ridge and the timber, we here engaged them, under-
standing that if we could hold them there and give them some-
thing else to do other than the destruction of the railroad we
would accomplish all that was expected or possible for us to do.
Throughout the remainder of the afternoon and until dark I
have rarely heard and never been subjected to a more unceasing
and rapid fire of small arms. We were very close together; too
close for the successful use of artillery upon either line in the
thick growth of timber, as we were; and yet McGregor got their
location by the railroad and did some effective service. Our
elevation was a little above the railroad, and they could shoot
over the heads of their own men, but the timber was so thick
they could not get our exact range, and most of their shells
passed over and exploded beyond us; but it was wonderful with
what accuracy those in the railroad cut fired. Had we been
without any protection and remained there as lorig as we held
the position, some three hours or more, it is scarcely possible
that any would have survived, for we had no breastworks and
only the shelter of the timber and the slight elevation. Their
bullets swept the small growth from the crest of the ridge, and
good sized saplings and small trees were almost cut down by
them. That night when we were relieved and went bapk to the
point from which our charge had begun. General W. H. F. Lee
met us and was profuse in his thanks to oflBcers and men for their
conduct, and McGregor, with his brave heart overflowing with
gratitude, rushed forward, and seizing my hand, exclaimed:
"Henceforth those guns," pointing to his battery, "belong to the
First North Carolina Cavalry ; you saved them to-day, and they
are yours."
This was the most important action in which our command,
470 NoETH Caeolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
under General W. H. F. Lee, engaged the enemy alone during
this raid, which lasted, from start to finish, for about a week.
We continued to follow the enemy and harass, hinder and worry
him, and by our frequent attacks prevented the destruction of
much property. The result of this raid was very disastrous to
the Federals. After General Hampton, who had crossed the
James River to come to our aid with his forces, joined in the
attack at Sappony Church, they were defeated and driven through-
out the afternoon and night of the 28th. Next morning the
rout became complete. Without going more into detail, the
result of the whole matter was that Kautz and Wilson were
forced to abandon their wagons and artillery, and leaving a large
number of prisoners, were glad to make their own escape with
but a comparatively small portion of their force.
In the month of August we crossed and recrossed the James
River several times and fought several important actions on
the north side. At White Oak Swamp we had a severe engage-
ment. Our losses were considerable. Lieutenant Morrow, of
Company C, was killed.
EEAMS' STATION.
On the 25th of August, 1864, the great battle of Reams'
Station was fought. In this action the cavalry, infantry and
artillery all took part. General W. H. F. Lee was absent on
sickness; this put General Barringer in command of the divis-
ion. Colonel Cheek in command of the brigade and Lieutenant-
Colonel Cowles in command of the regiment. There was an
opinion somewhat prevalent among the poorly informed infantry
of our army that the cavalry did little or no fighting. I do not
know how better to correct this error than to quote the words of
General R. E. Lee. It will be remembered that this battle of
Reams' Station was fought principally by troops from North
Carolina, and so well did they behave, that General Lee wrote
the following complimentary letter to Governor Vance:
Ninth Regiment. 471-
Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia,
August 29th, 1864.
His Mccellenoy Z. B. Vance,
Governor of North Carolina,
Raleigh.
******
I have frequently been called upon to mention the services of
North Carolina soldiers in this army, but their gallantry and
conduct were never more deserving of admiration than in the
engagement at Reams' Station on the 23d ultimo.
The brigades of Generals Cooke, McRae and Lane, the last
under the temporary command of General Conner, advanced
through a thick abatis of felled trees under a heavy fire of
musketry and artillery and carried the enemy's works with a
steady courage that elicited the commendation of their corps
and division commanders and the admiration of the army.
On the same occasion the brigade of General Barringer bore
a conspicuous part in the operations of the cavalry, which were
no less distinguished for boldness and efficiency than those of
the infantry.
If the men who remain in North Carolina share the spirit of
those they have sent to the field, as I doubt not they do, her
defense may securely be trusted to their hands.
I am, with great respect.
Your obedient servant,
R. E. Lee,
General.
chamberlain's run.
The winter of 1864-'65 was spent mostly in doing picket
duty and protecting the Petersburg & Weldon Railroad as far
south as Stony Creek. On the 8th of December we held the
railroad bridge at Belfield and the next day followed in pursuit
of Warren's forces, making a splendid mounted charge and cap-
turing a large number of prisoners.
This was the only engagement of any importance in which
we took part until the spring campaign of 1865 opened about
the last of March. We spent the winter in quarters near Bel-
472 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
field, and when it was known that Sheridan, with a large force
of cavalry, was at or near Dinwiddie Court House, we were
hurriedly rushed to that place to intercept him. The rains
for several days had been very heavy and the ground was miry
and the streams much swollen. On the 31st of March we met
Sheridan's forces about three miles from the Court House, near
a small stream at ordinary water, but then a wide and raging
current, known as Chamberlain's Run. A part of the enemy
had crossed the stream and was met by the Barringer Brigade,
the Fifth Cavalry being in front. After some severe fighting
the enemy was driven back across the stream and then we were
dismounted and a line of battle was formed by the Sixty-third
(Fifth Cav.) and Ninth (First Cav.) Regiments and we were
ordered to cross the creek and pursue the enemy.
I agree with General Rufus Barringer as to the correctness
of his article in general, but I differ with him as to some par-
ticulars in his description of this fight at Chamberlain's Run,
and I feel it a duty to more fully describe the part taken by the
First Regiment North Carolina Cavalry in this celebrated battle.
I know that General Barringer was honest in his convictions,
and where there is a difference in our description of this battle,
it must be attributed to our different opportunities for ob-
servation.
In the morning attack, upon reaching the creek we were dis-
mounted and formed a line some hundred and fifty yards above
the ford. Colonel McNeill's Sixty-third (Fifth Cav.) Regiment
was also dismounted and was to cross at the ford. My right
failed to connect with his left by a space of over one hundred yards.
The stream was very much swollen by recent heavy rains,
and at places was impassable by reason of briars and swamp
undergrowth. In my immediate front it was over one hundred
yards wide and as deep as the men's waists. On the opposite
side, and extending down the creek to about the right of my
regiment, was an open field about fifty yards wide, and beyond
this field a thicket of half-grown pines that extended back for a
Ninth Regiment. 473
mile to a large open field. An old fence ran between the creek
and the first field, the water in some places extending through it
and out into the open land. The road crosses this stream at
right angles one hundred and fifty yards below. The fight in
the afternoon across this stream was to be made by the First and
Fifth Cavalry. The Fifth was to cross at the ford and the
First at the point above described. When ordered to advance
the First moved forward in an unbroken line across the creek
and drove the enemy from our front. We were pursuing him
rapidly up into the pines when I discovered bullets coming
from our right and rear. I galloped to the right of my line
and found the enemy moving up the creek and in our rear.
The regiment was withdrawn as rapidly as possible, yet in
good order, and reformed at its original line on the west side of
the creek. Colonel McNeill had been repulsed at the ford and
it was some of the enemy from this point that were moving up
the creek to cut us off. It was almost a miracle that the regi-
ment was saved from capture. We would certainly have been
cut off had I not been on my horse, by which means I was
enabled quickly to find out our danger and with equal prompt-
ness to provide against it.
In the afternoon the plan was for the Nineteenth (Second Cav.)
Regiment, Colonel Gaines, supported by the Sixty-third (Fifth
Cav.), to attack at the ford and for us to cross at the same place
as in the morning. Upon reconnoitering my front, I found that
the enemy had strengthened his position by throwing up rifle-
pits in the edge of the pines. This was reported to Generals
Barringer and W. H. F. Lee, and appreciating fully the magnitude
and danger of the work assigned me, and also to provide against
being caught in a trap as in the morning, I asked leave to halt
the regiment at the fence on the opposite side and not to advance
until I knew that other troops would advance in line with us.
For the second time and at the same place we formed line of
battle, and from the experience of the morning every man knew
the danger that lay ahead. Notwithstanding this, when ordered
474 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'66.
forward the gallant old regiment advanced under a deadly fire
across the creek as it would move in line on dress-parade. At
the fence we halted, and each man protected himself as best he
could, but all the while replying to the enemy with a vigorous
fire.
The Nineteenth (Second Cav.) Regiment met the same fate at the
ford as did the Sixty-third (Fifth Cav.) in the morning, and
for some half an hour the Ninth (First Cav.) Regiment, being
the only Confederates on that side, were subjected to the
concentrated fire of the entire line of the enemy. Never
were brave men subjected to a more severe ordeal; men and
officers were being rapidly shot; to advance would be rash mad-
ness, to attempt to withdraw perhaps more fatal. In this di-
lemma Lieutenant-Colonel Cowles and myself, standing in water
up to our waists, were consulting what to do, when he was shot
in the head, and but for me would have been drowned. I sent a
courier to General W. H. F. Lee, informing him of the situation and
asking for orders. Just then I saw Beale's Brigade, commanded,
Ithink, by Colonel Waller, of theNinth Virginia Regiment, which,
having been dismounted, were preparing to cross above and join
on our left. When this command was about midway the stream
I ordered " Forward ! " and nobly our gallant regiment responded.
Leaping from their hiding-places, the men rushed over the enemy's
rifle-pits, broke his line and, in concert with Beale's Brigade,
drove him pell-mell through the pines, out into an open field.
In this field I saw some mounted Federal cavalry, and expecting
they would charge our scattered ranks, I ordered "Halt, and form
line as quickly as possible." We delivered a few volleys at them
and they quickly retired. A few moments after this General W. H.
F. Lee, at the head of a mounted squadron from the Sixty-third
Regiment, came up the road from the ford at a gallop. He charged
across the open field and into the woods beyond, but the enemy had
withdrawn. This road, leading direct from the ford, was still
about one hundred yards to the right of my new line, and these
mounted men from the Sixty-third were the first and only troops
Ninth Regiment. 475
from either of the other regiraents of our brigade that I saw on that
side of the creek during either the morning or afternoon engage-
ments. The ford was not uncovered until after the combined attack
of the Ninth (First Cav.) Regiment and Beale's men up the
creek, which crushed the enemy's right and forced him to with-
draw.
These are my recollections of the part taken by the Ninth (First
Cav.) Regiment in this great cavalry battle, and my memory
has been lately refreshed by conversations with men who were
there present. I also have some letters written at the time,
one of which, to my wife, I here insert :
" Headquakters First N. C. Cavalry,
"April 1st, 1865.
"My Dear Alice : — We had a terrible fight yesterday. I
lost eighty in my regiment. Colonel Cowles severely wounded;
Major McLeod slightly; Captain Dewey killed; Captain Cole-
man killed. Thirteen other officers wounded, several of whom
will die. John and Als were not hurt. Nearly all the brim of
my hat shot off. My horse (the one I lately bought) shot twice,
and killed.
"My regiment fought more gallantly than I ever saw it before.
We waded a creek waist-deep and seventy-five yards wide under
heavy fire and drove the enemy from an intrenched position.
Will give you full particulars when I have more time. General
Lee complimented us in the highest terms. The Thirteenth
Virginia was on my left, and after the fight gave me three most
enthusiastic cheers. 'Boots and saddles' has sounded. Good-
bye."
The losses were chiefly in the afternoon fight. Many were shot
while crossing the creek and many again while lying under the old
fence, aud the dead and wounded were scattered all through the
pines. We saved all and none were taken prisoners. In proportion
to the number engaged this loss will equal, if not exceed, that of any
cavalry regiment in the history of the world in a single day's fight.
476 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
The exact number taken into action I do not recollect, but
when we remember this was in the very last days of the Con-
federacy, when all of the regiments, and especially the cavalry,
were reduced to mere skeletons, I feel safe to say that the effi-
cient mounted command on that day did not exceed two hundred
and fifty men. Take from this the one-fourth to hold the
horses of the dismounted men, and the various details that niust
be made, and it will be seen that we took in action not to exceed
one hundred and fifty men. What cavalry regiment (save Gen-
eral Custer's command) ever lost seventeen out of twenty-one
officers in an open field fight, or eighty men out of about one
hundred and fifty.
The loss of the Light Brigade at Balaklava, whose charge has
been immortalized by England's Poet Laureate, was only thir-
ty-seven and one-half percent., while the loss of the First North
Carolina Cavalry at Chamberlain's Run was fifty-three and one-
third per cent, among the enlisted men and eighty-one per cent,
among the officers. Nor will we confine our comparison of
losses to the Light Brigade and other commands of cavalry
from earliest history to the present date, but we charge up to
the face of the infantry and challenge them likewise. We go to
Gettysburg, the bloodiest field of the civil war, and throw down
our glove in the face of all comers on either side and call for
an exhibit of losses in commissioned officers.
General Barringer says of the fight in the afternoon: "My plan
was to put the First Kegiment in on my left, dismounted in line,
and thus attract and draw the fire of the enemy." As to draw-
ing the fire of the enemy, this part of the plan was a grand
success. A shower of lead met us as soon as we entered , the
water and was poured on us continuously until we reached the
fence on the other side. General W. H. F. Lee, as he witnessed our
advance under this concentrated and deadly fire, said to General
Barringer : " Sir, the world never saw such fighting," and the
next day he said to a friend : " There was nothing done at Get-
tysburg more gallant than this charge of the First North Caro-
1 na Cavalry at Chamberlain's Run."
Ninth Regiment. 477
The Ninth Regiment (First Cav.) was led in the afternoon
attack by Sergeant John L. Turner, of Company F, across
the creek and up to the fence on the opposite side, where we
halted. When Beale's men came up and I commanded " First
North Carolina, forward ! " the first man that I saw spring out
into the open field was Captain Craige, of Company I. As
soon as I appeared in this opening my horse was shot and so dis-
abled that I had to abandon it. Fortunately a few moments later
an ordnance sergeant, distributing ammunition along the line,
came on and I took possession of his horse for the balance
of the fight. While the regiment was being dismounted
and preparing for action, I rode down to the water's edge
and saw that the enemy had greatly strengthened and forti-
fied his position since morning. Appreciating the terrible assault
we were to make, and knowing the destructive fire that would
be poured into a solid line, I thought it best to send forward a
thin line of skirmishers. For this purpose I ordered a detail of
two of the bravest men of each company. This line I placed
in charge of Sergeant Turner, and for his good conduct and
gallantry I that night promised him that henceforth he was
Lieutenant Turner.
General Barringer was in command and made the dispo-
sitions for the fight. After the creek was crossed I was the
ranking officer on that side, and had command of the field up to
the time that General W. H. F. Lee, at the head of the mounted
squadron, made his appearance.
A PERSONAL ADVENTURE AT THE BATTLE OF FIVE FORKS.
The 1st of April, 1865, was an off day for the First North
Carolina Cavalry. In consideration of the heavy fight and
severe loss we had at Chamberlain's Run the day before it was
our time, according to a custom in the brigade, to have the easy
place in this day's fight, so we were put off on the extreme
right of our line of battle, quite a mile east of the White Oak
road. We were placed there more for the purpose of observing
478 North Carolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
the movemeDts of the enemy than with the expectation of tak-
ing any part in the engagement.
Just before sunset and after our line, extending across the
White Oak road, had been broken, we were ordered to come in
and to take a road on the west of the White Oak road leading
to Potts' Station on the Southside Railroad. In a few minutes
another courier, very much excited, dashed up with instructions
to bring the regiment in at a gallop or we would be cut off.
We took up the "Fast trot," and as we were nearing the fork
to Potts' we saw a column of Yankee cavalry coming up the
road from Five Forks, and I saw that they would reach the
road to Potts' before we could. The only chance to transfer
my regiment into this road was to stop this advancing column
of Federal cavalry. I took the first squadron and met them at
a full charge. For a few minutes we had a tilt with cross sabres,
but we routed and drove them back. After having accomplished
our purpose with this squadron it was slowly withdrawn, holding
the enemy in check by volleys from our carbines. In the meantime
Adjutant Twitty had transferred the balance of the regiment to the
Potts road. A short distance up the road we found a guide posted
by General Barringer to turn all of my men into a second fork or
path. The Adjutant sent the regiment on, while he and a few offi-
cers and an orderly waited a short distance up this path for me. I
remained in the middle of the main road to watch the movements
of the enemy and to gather in any of my men that might have
gotten scattered in the fight. While sitting here on my horse
two horsemen, from the direction of the enemy, came up the road
at a full gallop. They rode right up to me and halted, one on
either side. It was now quite dark, yet I saw that they were
Yankees, and I further saw that they had their carbines unslung
and in a position of " Advance carbine." They covered me with
their guns, the muzzles not more than a foot from my breast.
I thought my time had come, yet I put on a bold front, expect-
ing every moment that the Adjutant and those who were with him,
and who were not more than twenty paces off, would come to my
Ninth Regiment. 479
relief. In the meantime I thought my only chance was to deceive
and fool them. So, says I, to the one on my right: "What com-
mand do you belong to?" He replied: " The First Vermont."
I turned to the other with the same question and received a like
answer. I said : " I too belong to that regiment. Hold on here
awhile, there are some rebels just down the road there a little,
and soon we will have some fun." To allay their suspicions I
continued to talk, and during all the time was attempting to draw
my pistol. As it often happens on critical occasions something
gets wrong, so at this time my pistol got hung in the holster.
Expecting every moment for a bullet to go crashing through
my body, I had to continue talking to allay their suspicions.
This talking not only deceived them, but so misled the Adjutant
and my friends nearby, that they did not come to my relief.
At last I got my pistol drawn, and at the click of the lock,
instead of firing, they both turned to run. I fired on them and
emptied one saddle; the shot at the other on^ missed. This was the
first signal that I was able to give my friends of my danger, and
they responded promptly with a volley at the fleeing Yankee, but
he kept on. After it was all over and I was scolding my Adjutant
for allowing two Yankees to hold me in their power for so long a
time, when they were so nearby and could so easily have relieved
me, they excused themselves by saying that it was so dark that
they could not see their uniforms, and hearing me talking all the
time, they concluded, of course, that I was talking to some of our
own soldiers.
We followed after the regiment and soon found it encamped
for the night. On the 3d we had a severe fight at Namozine
Church, and on the 5th I was captured by Sheridan's scouts, who
were clad in our uniform.
From this incident it will be seen that the First Regiment of
Cavalry was the last to cross sabres or to fire a gun on the field
of Five Forks. And so, again, it happened two days afterwards
to be the last that left the field at Namozine Church. When
the last of our mounted skirmishers were withdrawn from this
480 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
open field one column of the enemy had passed beyond us on
our left and another column, charging up the road on our right,
was so near upon us that our only chance to escape was to dash
across the road and get into a pine thicket. When I, with a few
others, crossed this road, we did so not twenty-five yards in front
of their column. This engagement at Namozine Church was
the crushing blow to General W. H. F. Lee's Cavalry Divison.
No regiment of his command that was present at this battle ever
made an organized fight afterwards.
The charge of this squadron of ours at sunset of the first day
of April, 1866, on the eventful field of Five Forks, was the
last mounted charge on the soil of Virginia made by North
Carolina cavalry, and it was a detachment from this same
regiment at Vienna, near the waters of the Potomac, on the 26th
day of November, 1861, that made the first. These two occa-
sions were the Alpha and Omega of the many charges made by
North Carolina's cavalry in the Army of Northern Virginia —
the first and the last. Brave old regiment; ever ready at the
sound of the bugle!
During these fights at Chamberlain's Run, Five Forks and
Namozine Church the Forty-first (Third Cav.) Regiment of our
brigade was off guarding a wagon-train . The day after the destruc-
tion of the division of General W. H. F. Lee at Namozine Church,
General R. E. Lee, then at Amelia Court House, sent for me and
ordered me to go and look for Colonel Moore, and to bring him
and his command to his (General Lee's) headquarters. At the
time this was the only organized regiment in General W. H. F.
Lee's Division. I took with me an orderly and bugler and
started in the direction of Jetersville. That afternoon we met
some twenty or more men, clad in Confederate uniforms, who
represented themselves as belonging to Captain Randolph's com-
pany, of the Ninth Virginia, who had gotten scattered in the fight
at Namozine Church, and who were now trying to get back to
their command. After some friendly conversation of several
minutes' duration, suddenly there was an outcry of " Surrender ! "
Ninth Kegiment. 481
" Surrender ! " and our Virginia friends proved to be none other
than Sheridan's scouts clad in Confederate uniforms. j,One of the
most thrilling incidents of the war occurred here, which the
narrow limits of this sketch prevent my relating. Major Young,
the commander of these scouts, was exceedingly [clever to me,
took me to supper with him at General Sheridan's headquarters
and at bed-time had an officer's tent stretched for me, gave me a
bed of nice hay, with dean sheets and a clean pillow-case, and
next morning sent a barber to shave me. In other respects
he was exceedingly kind and did me a very great favor.
There was a council of war held there that night and I had
the opportunity to see Generals Grant, Meade, Hancock, War-
ren, Custer, Merritt, Buford and many others of high rank.
From here I was sent to Johnson Island prison. So with
me the war ended. Now, thirty-five years have passed, and our
country has had another war, and there is also another war now
going on, in which one of the mightiest nations of the world is a
party, and in which many battles have been fought. When we read
accounts of them, and see them classed as "heavy engagements,"
" important battles," etc., and then compare them with the fights
that the First North Carolina Cavalry used to have, I am a
hundred times more impressed with the greatness of our mag-
nificent regiment.
CONCLUSION.
There was no regiment in the cavalry that had the post of
honor assigned it so often as did the Ninth North Carolina.
Whenever the commanding general, be he Stuart, Hampton,
Lee, Baker, Gordon or Beauregard, had a desperate movement
to make the call was always made for the Ninth North Carolina.
When General Stuart went on his horse raid into Pennsylvania
in 1862, Lieutenant Barrier, of Company I, led the advance
across the Potomac, and Captain Cowles, with Company A, pro-
tected his rear, and was the last to cross the same river on the
return into Virginia.
Again, when at Auburn Mills General Stuart's entire
31
482 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
command was surrounded by lines of Federal infantry, he
called for the Ninth North Carolina to open the way for him to
withdraw. At the battle of Sharpsburg the picket line of the
First North Carolina Cavalry was the last troops withdrawn
from the battlefield, and did not reeross the Potomac until near
day on the morning of the 19th.
General Hampton, on his famous cattle raid in 1864, upon
arriving in the vicinity of the cattle corral on James River, dis-
mounted our regiment and placed it between the cattle and the
army of General Grant, encamped not very far away, to hold
them in check while he, with the other troops, were putting this
vast herd of beeves in moving order. Here again the important
duty of protecting the rear was assigned to the Ninth North Caro-
lina, and at Belcher's Mill, on our return, we were engaged
until late into the night with Federal troops which had been sent
down the Jerusalem plank-road to intercept General Hampton
and recapture the cattle.
Not only did the superior officers call for this regiment in
critical emergencies, but I have known them to refer other com-
mands to it as a means of inciting them to deeds of daring. Mr.
James Higgs, formerly a member of the Third North Carolina
Cavalry, tells me that on one occasion, in the heat of battle.
General Hampton dashed up to his command and thus addressed
them : " Men of the Third North Carolina Cavalry, I want you
to charge the enemy, and I want you to go at them like the First
goes at them ! "
I heard an officer of artillery, whose battery operated with
the infantry, pay us a high compliment on one occasion when
the line of battle was being formed for a general engagement.
It must be remembered that an artilleryman is always very cau-
tious, or perhaps a little nervous, as to who is to be his sup-
port in an action, and especially is this so if the artilleryman,
accustomed to be supported by infantry, finds that he must now
look to the cavalry for protection of his guns. On this occasion
my regiment was sent to support two batteries posted on a hill
about one hundred yards apart. As I was forming my line in
Ninth Eegiment. 483
the ravine behind them, I heard one of the men call out to those
at the other battery and say: " Boys, it's all right, it is the First
North Carolina Cavalry that is supporting us ! "
I cannot close this sketch without paying a deserved tribute
to my brother officers. Governor Ellis had the appointment of
the ofScers of the ten regiments of State Troops. The regiment
of cavalry seemed to have been a pet of his from the beginning.
He selected the colonel and lieutenant-colonel from the old army,
both West Point graduates and of fine reputation in their respect-
ive commands. James B. Gordon, of Wilkes county, as Major,
proved himself a soldier of extraordinary capacity. The cap-
tains of companies were selected from widely different parts of
the State, all men of ability, high standing and reputation in
their respective sections. Captain Ruffin had been a member of
the United States Congress, Captains Folk, Grumpier and Cheek
were lawyers and members of the Legislature, Captain Hous-
ton was Solicitor of his judicial district, Captain Miller was a
distinguished physician of Charlotte, Captains Woodfin and
Barringer were able and prominent lawyers, and Captains Siler
and Whitaker were wealthy, educated and accomplished gentle-
men. The Governor was equally circumspect in the selection of
subaltern officers, many of whom rose to prominent positions
during the war. Of the field and company commanders that he
appointed one rose to be a major-general, four became brigadiers
and the fifth was recommended for a like promotion, and favora-
bly indorsed by General R. E. Lee, who, however, stated in his
indorsement that there was no vacancy to which he could be
assigned. So the appointment rested until after the 31st of March,
1865, when General Lee recommended that the commission be
issued for special gallantry on the bloody field of Chamberlain's
Run. If it was ever issued by the Secretary of War it never reached
its owner, but was lost amid the wreck and ruins of the Con-
federacy. Some of his friends think he is entitled to the rank,
and kindly call him General, but he aspires not to the title, prefer-
ring rather to be known as the colonel of a regiment which under
484 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-'65.
his command, from the summer of 1863 to the surrender, made a
reputation second to none on the American continent.
During this period there was not a commissioned of&cer in the
line who was not either killed or wounded, with five exceptions.
It was a saying in camp about this time that a commission in the
First Cavalry means " a hole in your hide." Every field officer
it ever had, except Colonel Ransom, was either killed or wounded.
Of the original captains, counting Wood, Blair and McLeod
(they having succeeded Captains Woodfin, Folk and Miller,
all of whom resigned before the regiment received its baptism
of fire), six were wounded and four killed. Of the twenty-
three captains it had during the war, six were killed and
fourteen wounded. Of the thirty-one subaltern officers who
remained in the line from the summer of 1863 to the surrender,
ten were killed, fourteen were wounded and two died of disease,
and I think that three of the other five were wounded, but of
this I am not positive.
I regret exceedingly that I have not the data to show the losses
of the enlisted men. They were instrumental equally with the
officers in building up the fame of the regiment, and their losses
were proportionally as great. Truly may it be said of them, as
was said of the Father of His Country, "Their deeds, their
worthy deeds alone, have rendered them immortal."
ROSTER OF OFFICERS.
FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS.
Colonels — Robert Ransom, promoted Major-General, 1862;
Lawrence S. Baker, promoted Brigadier- General, wounded at
Brandy Station; J. B. Gordon, promoted Brigadier-General,
wounded at Brook Church and died; Thomas Ruffin, killed at
Auburn Mills, September 28, 1863; W. H. Cheek, wounded
at Goodall's Tavern, May 11, 1864.
Ninth Eegiment. 485
Lieutenant-Colonels — L. S. Baker, J. B. Gordon, Thomas
Ruffin, W. H. Cheek, Rufus Barringer; W. H. H. Cowles,
wounded at Mine Run and Chamberlain's Run.
Majors — Victor M. Barringer, resigned; J. B. Gordon;
Thomas N. Grumpier, wounded and died July 11, 1862; John
H. Whitaker, wounded and died July 1, 1863; Rufus Barrin-
ger, W. H. H. Cowles; M. D. L. McLeod, wounded.
Surgeons — William L. Hilliard, H. H. Hunter, William A.
Blount.
Assistant Surgeons — Charles J. O'Hagan, W. A. Blount,
W. Jones, Rolfe.
Quartermasters — W. M. Addington, J. B. Neal, W. J.
White.
Commissaries — M. D. L. McLeod, M. V. Boykin, John W.
Primrose.
Company A — Captains: T. N. Grumpier, killed; W. H. H.
Cowles, wounded; John L. Smith, wounded. Lieutenants: D. T.
Armfield, killed; John H. Ray, resigned; John H. Forrester,
resigned; D. C. Parks, resigned; D. W. Eller, resigned; N. G.
Turner; E. R. Barker, wounded.
Company B — Captains: John H. Whitaker, killed; A. B.
Andrews, wounded; W. H. Anthony, wounded. Lieutenants:
J. W. Peele, killed; W. R. Williams, resigned; J. E. Elliot,
wounded; C. M. Roberts, wounded; R. H. Powell, killed; J. C.
Pledger, killed; W. R. Wood, promoted Captain and assigned
to Company G.
Company C — Captains: J. M. Miller, resigned; M. D. L.
McLeod, wounded; James F. Johnston, wounded. Lieutenants:
R. H. Maxwell, wounded; J. L. Marrow, killed; W. B. Field,'
wounded; Manly S. Steele, wounded; David Hutcherson, killed;
J. P. Alexander, wounded.
Company D — Captains: G. N. Folk, resigned; J. C. Blair.
Lieutenants: J. B. Todd, resigned; Joseph W. Todd, wounded;
J. W. Council, resigned; C. W. Lippard, resigned; W. M. Blair,
killed; D. P. Mast, wounded; Noah Shell, resigned; Cald-
well, resigned; R. B. Brown, wounded, and resigned; John T>.
Ferguson, died.
486 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Company E — Captains: W. H. Cheek; C. J. Iredell, wounded.
Lieutenants: A. B. Andrews, promoted and assigned to Com-
pany B; Jesse H. Person, killed; R. J. Shaw, resigned; J. H.
Fuller, wounded; W. J. White, promoted Quartermaster; George
H. Yancey, wounded; R. C. Twitty, promoted Adjutant.
Company F — Captains: Rufus Barringer, wounded; J. A.
Fisher, wounded; N. P. Foard, wounded. Lieutenants: Miles
Johnson, resigned; Jacob Barrier, wounded; J. L. Grier, died;
W. R. Scott, resigned; H. H. Fitzgerald, resigned; Kerr Craige,
promoted and transferred to Company I; Wiley A. Barrier;
transferred to Company I; John L. Turner, promoted by Colo-
nel Cheek for gallantry at Chamberlain's Run.
Company G — Captains: John W. Woodiin, resigned; W. R.
Wood, wounded; Henry Coleman, killed. Lieutenants: J. L.
Gaines, promoted Colonel Second Regiment North Carolina Cav-
alry; J. L. Henry, resigned; J. L. Blasingame, resigned; W. E.
Broadnax, promoted to stafF of General R. Ransom; T. L. Mat-
thias, E. J. Kuykendall.
Company H— Thomas Ruffin; James C. Borden, resigned;
George S. Dewey, killed. Lieutenants: Thomas L. Vail, resigned;
B. F. Person, resigned; Johnson H. Bryan, resigned; W. F.
Kornegay, resigned; W. S. Henrahau, resigned; Bryan F. Whit-
field, wounded; H. J. Sauls, wounded; John Sherrod, resigned;
John W. Hayes, killed; J. W. Biddle.
Company I — Captains: W. J. Houston, killed; W. A. Bar-
rier, wounded and resigned; Kerr Craige. Lieutenants: Benehan
Carroll, resigned; N. C. Armstrong, resigned; D. O. Wells,
resigned; J. B. Neal, promoted Quartermaster; S. C. Jones; W.
. G. Grady, killed.
Company K — Captains: T. P. Siler, wounded and resigned;
W. M. Addington. Lieutenants: W. H. Roan, resigned; Frank
Leach, resigned; B. P. Ellis, died; Jesse W. Siler, killed; Sam
B. Gibson, wounded; J. M. Gillespie, wounded.
The regiment was under tire one hundred and fifty or two hun-
dred times, not in its full regimental formation, but as scouts,
Ninth Regiment. 487
pickets, companies or squadrons. Below is a list of the battles
in which it participated:
Vienna, Rainbow Banks, Willis' Church, Frazier's Farm,
Malvern Hill, Phillips' Farm, Riddle's Shop, Turkey Creek,
second advance on Malvern Hill, Fox's Farm, Fairfax Court
House, Urbana, Frederick, Middletown, Catoctin Creek, Burk-
ittsville, Pleasant Valley, Sharpsburg, Williamsport, Stuart's
Raid into Pennsylvania, Martinsburg, Hall Town, Barbee's Cross
Roads, Little Washington, Gaines' Cross Roads, Amisville,
Hampton's raid to Dumfries, Occoquan, Kelly's Ford, Brandy
Station, Aldie, Middleburg, Upperville, Fairfax Court House,
Stuart's raid around General Meade, Brookville, Sykesville, Lit-
tletown, Hanover, Huntersville,Carlisle, Gettysburg, Hagerstown,
Williamsport, Funkstown, Second Brandy Station, Jack's Shop,
Auburn Mills, Buckland Races, Ste vensburg, Parker's Store, Mine
Run, Raccoon Ford, Atlee's Station, Rapidan River, Wilderness,
Sheridan's Raid, Goodall's Tavern, Todd's Tavern, Brook Church,
White Hall, Haw's Shop, Kenner's Landing, Hanover Court
House, Ashland, Malvern Hill, Nantz's Shop, Herring Creek,
Crenshaw's, The Rocks, Wilcox Landing, Davis' Farm, Kautz's
and Wilson's Raid, Black's and White's, Staunton River, Fuzzle's
Mill, White Oak Swamp, Poplar Spring Road, Reams' Station,
Tucker's Farm, McDowell's Farm, Jones' Farm, Boisseau's
Farm, Mrs. Cumming's, Gravelly Run, Hargrave's House, Bur-
gess' Mill, Malone's Crossing, Munck's Neck, Wilson's Farm,
Hampton's Cattle Raid, Belcher's Mill, Belfield, Chamberlain's
Run, Five Fork^g, Namozine Church.
Besides the above enumerated battles there were skirmishes
innumerable, which in those days were considered so trivial that,
they were not honored with a name, but which, if their like were
to occur now in the Philippines or in South Africa they would
be heralded by a cable dispatch as "heavy engagements."
W. H. Cheek.
Hendbeson, N. C,
9 April, 1900.
TENTH RBGIMENT (FIRST ARTILLERY).
1. John L. Bridgers, Lieut. -Colonel. 4. Basil C. Manly, Major.
2. John A. Ramaay, Captain, Co, D. 5. J. M'. Sanders, 1st Lieut, Co. TT.
3. Joseph Graham, Captain, Co. C. C. Thomas Arendell, 1st Lieut., Co. P.
7. Arthur B. Williams, Captain, Co. C.
TENTH REGIMENT.
(FIRST ARTILLERY).
COMPANIES B, F, G, H AND K-HEAVY BATTERIES.
By COLONEIv STEPHEN D. POOL.
The Tenth Regiment was the First Regiment Artillery, and
was composed of five companies of heavy artillery — B, F, G, H
and K, which were stationed in our forts, and five companies of
light artillery — A, C, D, E and I. The service of the heavy
batteries was largely of a joint character and was given to
the defense of Eastern North Carolina. Very soon after the
organization of the Tenth Regiment Fort Macon was garri-
soned by Companies B, G and H, and the earth-works some
miles east of the fort were occupied by Company F, of the Tenth,,
Lieutenant Cogdell commanding, and a company of the Fortieth
(Third Art.) Regiment, under Captain Richard Blount. All of
these forces were supplied by the fort and camfe under the com-
mand of Colonel Moses J. White, who was in charge of the fort,
having succeeded Lieutenant-Colonel J. L. Bridgers, who had
been relieved at his own request.
Just previous to the fall of Hatteras, which occurred during
the latter part of August, Company G was ordered to Hoop
Pole, a position opposite to Carolina City. With the fall of
Hatteras, some of the men of the Tenth Regiment were cap-
turned and sent North, among the number being Captains An-
drews and Sparrow and Lieutenant Thomas Allen.
The fall and winter of 1861 were stormy and rough, affecting
the mortality of the men greatly, especially those of Company
H, which company did outside picket duty. A picket station
490 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
of twelve men was kept on Shackelford Banks, with headquar-
ters at Lookout Lighthouse, during the winter and until some-
time after the fall of New Bern. The pickets watched the
movements of the blockading squadron. It was quite a suc-
cessful station and picked up much valuable information, which
was transmitted to the fort.
January and February of 1862 passed quietly at the fort
and its vicinity, the fort and blockaders occasionally exchanging
a harmless shot. On the landside communication was unbroken
with the fort, visitors and mail being of daily occurrence. But
with the fall of Roanoke Island matters assumed a different
phase. The air was full of rumors of the intentions of Burn-
side. It soon became evident that New Bern would be attacked
before Fort Macon, and so quiet reigned at the fort.
On the 14th of March New Bern fell into the hands of the
Federals. Wiih the fall of New Bern matters at Fort Macon
assumed more interest. The two outlaying companies and the
picket station were called in and the position of the fort made
as secure as possible. About the 23d of March the Federal
forces began to approach the fort. Carolina City (now More-
head Cityj was occupied and garrisoned by them before the last
of March.
On the 23d of March a formal demand was made by General
Parke for the surrender of the fort, which Colonel White re-
fused, although liberal terms were offered. Additional efforts
were made to strengthen the fort, and the men were constantly
at practice with the guns. All was activity. The fort was very
well provisioned. In the line of ammunition it was not so well
off. There was only about three days' supply of powder and
much of that was very inferior. Of shells and shot there was
enough for several days' fighting. On the night of March 29th
the lights of the Federal forces showed that the fort was sur-
rounded. On the 11th and 12th of April, when the pickets were
finally driven in, a sharp skirmish occurred, in which Ben. H.
Bell, one of the pickets, was slightly wounded and some damage
inflicted on the Federals. On the 23d of April another demand
Tenth Regiment. 491
for surrender was made by General Burnside, which was refused.
At daylight of the 25th the attack proper on the fort was begun,
the fort replying promptly to the storming party. The roar of
Guion's, Pool's, Manney's and Blount's guns was incessant and
deafening. Gogdell's batteries did not bear upon the land side
and his men chafed at their enforced inaction. In less than an
hour guns from seaward announced the approach of another foe.
Promptly the heavy guns of Pool and Guion changed the direc-
tion of their fire to that of the fleet, and so accurate was their
fire that in an hour the vessels drew off out of range, one dis-
abled and two others in a damaged condition. The attack from
the land side was very vigorous, the storming forces having im-
mense advantage, their superior force allowing, them to relieve
their men at the guns. They kept up a continuous fire from
both rifles and mortars, dismounting guns, disabling men, and
tearing parade, parapet and walls of the fort. The guns of
the fort were well manned, but were unable to do much damage,
firing as they did through very narrow embrasures. At 6:30
the loss in the fort was very great, the men greatly fatigued, and
only two guns were able to keep up a fire. A proposition for
the surrender of the fort was made to General Parke. An un-
conditional surrender was demanded, which was refused, and the
General informed that firing would be resumed immediately.
However an agreement was reached whereby .hostilities should
cease till next morning, until a consultation with General Burn-
side could be had. Next morning, the 27th, Colonel White met
General Burnside and the fort was surrendered. By the
terms of surrender the officers and men were released on parole,
not to take up arms against the United States of America until
properly exchanged. Colonel White reports the loss of the fort
at seven killed and eighteen wounded. The guns of the fort at
cessation of firing were in a very bad condition, about one-half
being entirely disabled.
During the month of August, 1862, an exchange of prtsoners
was made, which included the oflBcers and men who had garri-
soned Fort Macon. A camp, with Major Pool in charge, was
492 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
established at Goldsboro for the men of the Tenth, who rapidly
began to report, and by the latter part of August the men, armed
as infantrymen, were drilling daily. Early in September,
Major Pool was ordered with his command, numbering about
seventy men, to Tarboro, N. C. There his forces were swelled
by the addition of fifty men under Captains McRae and Cobb.
On the morning of September the 4th the forces embarked
on two flat-boats for Washington. At Red Bank the com-
mand disembarked and it was joined by four companies of
infantry — two from the Seventh Regiment and two from the
Fifty-fifth — a squadron of cavalry and a battery of artillery.
Next morning at 9 o'clock the march against the town of Wash-
ington, about thirteen miles distant, began. The men of the
Tenth were among the first to enter the town, fortunately enter-
ing it by the street on which the Academy was situated. They
seized four pieces of artillery prepared for immediate use. These
they placed in position so as to sweep the street, and, under com-
mand of Captain Manney, held their position for more than
three hours, doing great execution and damage to the Federals,
who manned the guns placed at the town bridge and the crossing
of the street at the court-house. This unequal fight, sup-
ported by infantry, they continued until 9 A. M., when a retreat
was ordered. The captured guns were not left, but manning
the ropes, the men dragged them through the deep sand of the
streets. The Federals did not pursue. At some distance from
town a detachment of cavalry, commanded by Captain Rufus S.
Tucker, met us and assisted in dragging the captured guns. The
troops camped several miles from Washington for two days, the
various detachments then separating and returning to their various
posts of duty, the men of the Tenth proceeding to Goldsboro. A
comparison of the forces engaged and the result of the Washington
fight is as follows: In infantry the forces were about equal; of cav-
caValry, the Federals had nearly three to one; batteries, two to one.
The Federal loss was twenty-eight killed, fifty-three wounded,
twelve captured. Four guns captured and carried off. They also
NEW BERN
TO
GOLDSBORO
g Union.
11*1 rCon/edercLte
^ Engagement fbn^ht.
Tenth Regiment. 493
lost one gun-boat, blown up. The Confederate loss was thirteen
killed and fifty-seven wounded. Of these about twenty were
made prisoners.
Soon after the return of the men of the Tenth to Goldsboro,
Companies B, G and H were ordered to Kinston, where they
were joined by many old comrades.
During November two demonstrations were made against
New Bern — one to hold the garrison in place, the other, under
Colonel H. M. Shaw, to compel the return of General Foster
from a movement in force supposed to be against the railroad
bridge at Weldon. In both expeditions Lieutenant-Colonel
Pool's Battalion, composed of Companies B, G and H, of the
Tenth Regiment, and Bunting's Battery, participated. The
objects contemplated succeeded.
Early in December, General N. G. Evans, then in command at
Kinston, ordered the battalion to the works on the left bank of
the Neuse River, two miles below Kinston, to prevent the Fed-
eral boats from removing and passing the obstructions in the
river. Starr's Battery, a portion of which was under command
of Lieutenant T. C. Fuller, was in the command. On the 13th
the Federal boats made their appearance and were given such a
warm reception that they speedily retired and were soon in full
retreat to New Bern. Next day General Evans crossed the river
and engaged the Federal forces under General Foster. After a
hotly contested fight the Confederate forces were compelled to
retreat under the pressure of overwhelming numbers. The bridge
was fired, but the rapidly pursuing Federals threw the burning
fagots into the river and crossed the bridge safely, capturing
Colonel Mallet (wounded) and his battalion, with some other
detachments left on the right bank. Others swam the river and
subsequently joined Colonel Pool, and with him reached Golds-
boro safely next morning.
In this fight the men of the Tenth played a conspicuous part
and were the last to retire. Companies B, G and H and Starr's
Battery of Artillery were stationed on the north side of Neuse
River, commanding the immediate approaches to the railroad
494 North Caeolina Teoops, 1861-65.
and county bridges. About 2 p. Ji. the men of the Fifty-
second retiring, left the south end of the bridge undefended
except by the forces on the north bank of the river. Starr's
Battery then opened fire to prevent the enemy from entering,
and destroyed it. An attempt to fire the bridge was made by a
party of Federals, but the batteries of the Tenth made it too hot
for them. Later, however, the bridge was successfully fired.
At 5 p. M., seeing that it was useless to remain longer, the
Confederate forces having all retired, the guns were dismounted
and disabled, all the ammunition that could be carried was loaded
in a wagon, while the remainder was dumped with shot and
shell and the small guns into the Neuse, and the men were soon
on their way to Goldsboro, which they reached next morning at
8 o'clock. In a short time the battalion was ordered back to
Kinston to repair damages, reconstruct bridges and assist in other
work, which was concluded about January 1, 1863.
On the recommendation of Lieutenant-Colonel Stevens, Chief
Engineer, the battalion was selected for duty in that branch of
the service. Lieutenant-Colonel Pool was ordered to construct
and equip sixteen pontoon-boats and drill his men in their use.
Goldsboro was chosen tor the work. January, February and
March, 1863, were fully employed in this manner. The men
made very satisfactory progress, and in their drill on March 28th,
before General Smith and staff, were highly complimented by
that officer.
During the first of April the battalion, with boats, reported
to General D. H. Hill at Kinston. On the 4th they were ordered
by General Longstreet to Franklin. They arrived at their des-
tination three days later and went into camp, Brigadier-General
Jenkins commanding. The burned bridge across the Blackwater
was rebuilt by them at once, and a few days afterwards a pontoon-
bridge was thrown across the river at South Quay in the presence
of General Longstreet and staff. Roadways to and from the
bridge were constructed and the bridge laid in thirty-two
minutes. The width of the river at this point was one hundred
and sixty feet.
Tenth Regiment. 495
The battalion remained at Franklin, repairing and rebuilding
bridges and making cables of twisted telegraph wire, until the
siege of Suffolk was raised, returning to Goldsboro in June with
pontoon-train, after first having destroyed all the work they had
so laboriously done during May and June.
In July, 1863, the battalion reported to Colonel William F.
Martin, Seventeenth Regiment, between Tarboro and Williams-
ton, to assist in repelling a reported Federal invasion. On
arriving at Tarboro dispatches were received from Colonel Mar-
tin, saying that the reported advance had no foundation, and
their assistance was not needed. It was a disastrous trip to the
battalion, however, as on their return they suffered a fearful rail-
way accident. More than twenty men were wounded and fiat-
cars, ambulances, guns, ammunition and men were piled in con-
fused heaps on both sides of the road.
Soon after the battalion was called to Rocky Mount to meet a
raiding party of Federals, but owing to the absence of a tele-
graph operator from his office at Goldsboro a delay of six hours
was caused, in consequence of which and another delay of the train
at Wilson the raiders burned the cotton mills and the railroad
bridge at Rocky Mount and were in full retreat two hours
before the battalion reached its destination.
In the month of August the battalion was ordered to Fort
Branch, on the Roanoke River, to garrison and strengthen it
and to prevent the enemy's gun-boats from ascending the river
and destroying the iron-clad which the Confederates were build-
ing at Edward's Ferry. Lieutenant-Colonel Pool being tem-
porarily in command at the Goldsboro post. Captain J. L. Manney
was placed in charge of the battalion. The battalion remained
at Fort Branch the remainder of the year (1863) doing picket
and garrison duty.
In the latter part of January, 1864, the battalion, with pon-
toons, was ordered to Kinston, as a move was to be made on New
Bern. The expedition amounted to nothing, however. Colonel
Wood's boat expedition down the Neuse, his capture and destruc-
tion of the " Underwriter," under the guns of the military post and
496 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
garrison at Newport were the redeeming features of the expedi-
tion. The battalion had its part in this wearisome marching and
counter-marching.
Comparative quiet reigned in North Carolina until the month
of April, 1864. At that time detachments from the battalion,
led by Captain Manney, under direction of Lieutenant-Colonel
Guion, with pontoons, accompanied General Hoke's expedition
to Plymouth and assisted at its capture. The detachment went
with General Hoke to New Bern and followed that General to
Virginia when recalled from New Bern in haste to defend Peters-
burg, Va. Under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Guion the
battalion defended Fort Clifton, on the Appomattox, for months,
successfully resisting every attempt of the enemy's gun-boats to
ascend.
Until the iron-clad "Albemarle" was blown up by a torpedo-boat
at Plymouth and that town and Washington fell into the hands
of the Federals again, the battalion was separated. It was
reunited at Fort Branch, where it remained until December,
1864. On the 7th of December, 1864, Captain Cogdell— Major
Sparrow being on the sick list— was ordered to assist in the
defense of the Petersburg & Weldon Railroad, leaving Lieuten-
ant Thomas B. Haskett, with Sergeant-major H. C. Pool and
twelve men, in the garrison. On the 11th an unsuccessful attempt
was made on the fort owing to the return of Captain Cogdell
and his men.
Attention will now be directed to Companies F and G, and
light battery. Company I, Captain Southerland, who were sta-
tioned at Fort Fisher.
On December the 21st a formidable fleet under Butler, with
his powder-ship, appeared before Fort Fisher. The two follow-
ing days were too stormy for operations. At 2 p. m. on the
24th the powder-ship, with its four hundred and thirty thousand
pounds of powder, was exploded within three hundred yards of the
fort, doing no perceptible damage to walls or armament or men.
The bombardment of Admiral Porter's fleet on the 24th and
25th was extremely severe, on the first day ten thousand pro-
Tenth Regiment. 497
jectiles alone being hurled at the fort and adjacent works. The
action of Companies F and K, of the Tenth, was of the most
worthy character. General "Whiting writes: "Of Major Reilly,
with his battalion of the Tenth North Carolina, who served the
guns of the land fort during the entire action, I have to say he
has added another name to the long list of fields on which he has
been conspicuous for indomitable pluck and consummate skill."
Lieutenant Thomas Arendeil commanded Company F and
Lieutenant Irwin Fulford commanded Company K during the
action.
With the attack on Fort Fisher and its repulse the operations
of the year 1864 closed as far as the Tenth North Carolina was
concerned.
January 13, 1865, Companies F and K were again called
upon to meet the enemy. Admiral Porter again appeared before
Fort Fisher with a powerful fleet, both as to number of ships
and calibre of guns. The occupants of the fort felt no uneasi-
ness at the presence of the enemy, owing to their former repulse.
The assault was made and the men of the fort fought bravely,
but in vain. Overpowered by vastly superior numbers, they
were at last compelled to yield. Never was a more heroic defense
made than that of Fort Fisher. Even after the fort was entered
and the citadel captured the men refused to yield, and for hours
resisted the fierce assault of three splendid brigades of Federal
soldiers, contesting every, inch of ground until pushed by the
force of irresistible numbers to the very brink of the sea, and
then surrendered — their ammunition expended and all hope lost.
And in all this fight none fought more bravely than the men of
the Tenth, under the gallant Reilly. The prisoners taken were
sent North, and when exchanged the war was virtually over.
In March, 1865, the detachments of Companies B, G and H,
on duty at Fort Clifton, rejoined their command at Fort Branch
and continued in garrison until the 10th of April.
The headquarters of the Tenth remained at Goldsboro until
March 22d, when the troops were all withdrawn and headquar-
ters established at Tarboro, where Colonel Pool remained until
32
498 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
April 10th. About the first of April the records of the Tenth
Regiment and the post at Goldsboro were taken to Concord,
Cabarrus county, by private Charles Phifer, for safe-keeping,
and as they have never been seen since, it is supposed that they
were taken and destroyed by some Federal raiding party.
On April 10th Fort Branch was blown up, military stores
were destroyed, bridges were burned on the Tar and the troops
at Fort Branch, Tarboro and other points combined at Halifax.
From there they moved westward to meet General Baker at
Ridgeway, which they did on the 14th. The news of General
Lee's surrender had been received the day before and had cast a
deep gloom over the men.
The war was now over. Orders disbanding his command
were issued by General Baker, but Colonel Pool secured a modi-
fication of the order, so far as the men of the Tenth were con-
cerned, as most of the homes of his men were in the counties
which were overrun by the Federals. He therefore preserved
his organization and moved back to Tarboro, which point he
reached on April 18th. In a few days Lieutenant-Colonel
Guion and Captain Cogdell were dispatched to Goldsboro to
capitulate for terms of surrender. These ofScers returned on
the 23d, having made satisfactory terms. Two days later, Tues-
day, the 25th, at noon at Stantonsburg, Wilson county, what
was left of Companies B, G and H, Tenth Regiment North Caro-
lina State Troops, surrendered, and. those heroic hearts which
had stood shoulder to shoulder and slept at the same camp-fires
shook hands and parted, to return once more to the pursuits of
peace, leaving behind them a record of gallantry and bravery.
Stephen D. Pool.
New Orleans, La.
ADDITIONAL SKETCH TENTH REGIMENT.
(FIRST ARTILLERY),
COMPANIES B, F, 0, H AND K-HEAVY BATTERIES.
By first lieutenant JOHN W. SANDERS, Company H.
This regiment was one of the ten authorized to be raised by
the Legislature of North Carolina in May, 1861. These ten
were known as war regiments, to distinguish them from volun-
teers, for six and twelve months. Their term of service was for
the entire war. The Tenth Regiment was peculiarly constitu-
ted. Five of its companies were heavy artillery and five were
light batteries.
This sketch will refer almost exclusively to the five heavy artil-
lery companies. The history of the five light batteries will be
written by another, who will do justice to these gallant companies.
The splendid record of these batteries was made on the battle-
fields of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
Wherever the Army of Northern Virginia marched and fought,
there one or more of these batteries were found sharing its pri-
vations, partaking of and aiding in its ever-glorious achieve-
ments arid adding to the never-fading lustre of the soldiers of
North Carolina won on all these memorable fields of glory.
From the first gun at Manassas to the final surrender of Lee at
Appomattox, from New Bern to Bentonsville, the guns of these
batteries were heard, and when the last of them was surrendered
by Johnston at Greensboro, officers and men could point with
pride to a record second to none made by the artillerists of the
Confederacy.
600 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
And now a word to connect Company H with the Tenth
Regiment of North Carolina Artillery and our sketch will con-
tinue without a halt to the close.
The old Topsail Eifles, Captain Stephen D. Pool, was organ-
ized in Beaufort, N. C, immediately after the election of Abra-
ham Lincoln to the Presidency of the United States. On the
21st of May it was tendered to the State of North Carolina
for service for the war, and was assigned as Company C to
the Second North Carolina State Troops and ordered to report
to Colonel Tew, then in command at Fort Macon. On the 4th
of June it was ordered to a camp of instruction at Weldon,
N. C. Subsequently the other companies of the Second having
joined, the regiment was removed to Camp Advance.
Here at Richmond, near Acquia Creek and at Potomac Run
the time was fully occupied in company and battalion drills and
other camp duties till the latter part of August, 1861. On the
23d of August Captain Pool and company were ordered by the
Secretary of War to report to the commanding officer at Fort
Macon, N. C. It reached the fort the 25th, but was not assigned
to duty with the garrison until the 1st of September. From
this time until the close of the war Companies B, G and H
served together. Company C, of the Second, becoming in the
organization Company H, of the Tenth.
The Tenth Regiment was first officered as follows :
James A. J. Bradford, Colonel.
John L. Bridgees, Lieutenant-Colonel.
Stephen D. Ramseur, Major.
WiLLi-^M B. Thompson, Major.
Thomas H. Allen, Adjutant.
Colonel Bradford was an officer of the United States Army,
in charge of the Arsenal at Fayetteville, N. C, who, at the
breaking out of the war, having tendered his services to the
Governor of North Carolina, was assigned to duty as Colonel
of the Tenth. Incapacitated for active field service. Colonel
Bradford was placed in command of the post at Goldsboro, an
Tenth Eegiment. 501
important military position from its connection witii tiie railroad
system of the Southern States. The selection of Colonel Brad-
ford for this post was a judicious one. He was a good organizer
and disciplinarian and a model post commandant. In Lieuten-
ant Thomas H. Allen, Adjutant of the regiment, Colonel Brad-
ford had an eflScient assistant in all office duties connected with
the post and regiment.
The five heavy artillery companies of the regiment were or-
ganized with the following officers:
Company B — Henry T. Guion, Captain; Thaddeus Coleman,
First Lieutenant; A. C. Latham, Junior First Lieutenant; Joseph
Stephenson, Second Lieutenant; Ed. Walsh, Junior Second Lieu-
tenant.
Company F — W. S. G. Andrews, Captain; Dan Cogdell,
First Lieutenant; Riggs, Junior First Lieutenant; Cicero
Primrose, Second Lieutenant; Richard W. Evans, Junior Second
Lieutenant.
Company G — Josiah Pender, Captain; James L. Manney, .
First Lieutenant; Robert Walker, Junior First Lieutenant; Wal-
ter Pender, Second Lieutenant; John Roberson, Junior Second
Lieutenant.
Company H — Stephen D. Pool, Captain; John C. Manson,
First Lieutenant; Joseph Roberson, Junior First Lieutenant;
B. F. Miller, Second Lieutenant.
Company K — Thomas Sparrow, Captain; William Shaw,
First Lieutenant; Andrew J. Thomas, Junior First Lieutenant;
John M. Blount, Second Lieutenant; Irvin Fulford, Junior Sec-
ond Lieutenant.
As will be seen from the above some of the companies elected,
or had assigned to them, an extra lieutenant. This error was
afterwards corrected by assignment of the supernumerary officer
to other companies, or by filling vacancies caused by deaths,
resignations or promotions. About the end of August, 1861,
Fort Hatteras fell, and some of the officers and men of the Tenth
were captured and sent North as prisoners of war. Captains
502 North Caeolina Tkoops, 1861-'65.
Andrews and Sparrow and Lieutenant Thomas H. Allen were
of the number.
The fall of 1861 and the winter of 1861-'62 were stormy and
inclement. Much sickness prevailed among the men of the gar-
rison and many deaths occurred. Company H doing all outside
picket duty, and consequently more exposed to the weather, suf-
fered more than any other company. The mortality in that
company was increased doubtless from the effects of measles, a
disease epidemic in the Second Regiment at Camp Advance in
June and July, 1861. Out of ninety-three men, then belonging
to the company, sixty-eight had the disease. No deaths occurred
from the measles, but the after-effects increased the mortality in
the winter of 1861-'62.
A picket of twelve men was kept on Shackelford Banks with
headquarters at the Lookout Light-house. The men of the
picket frequently, and without being suspected, mingled with
boats' crews from the blockading squadron, who came on shore
to buy fish from the natives. Some true men from the fort
were always on hand when the boats landed. The fishermen
never gave our men away and, indeed, they had no knowledge of
what was going on at the fort to disclose. This picket station
was kept up during the winter and until sometime after New
Bern fell into the hands of the Federals.
1862.
Lieutenant-Colonel J. L. Bridgers having been relieved at his
own request. Colonel Moses J. White was placed in command of
Fort Macon. At this time the garrison consisted of Companies
B, G and H, Tenth Regiment. Company F, Tenth Regiment,
Lieutenant Cogdell commanding, and a company of the Fortieth
Regiment, Captain Richard Blount, were stationed some miles
east of the fort, in earth-works constructed for the defense of the
commerce of Core Sound. These companies were supplied from
the fort, and were subject to the command of Colonel White.
January and February passed quietly at the fort and its
vicinity. The monotony of the situation was sometimes relieved
Tenth Eegiment. 503
by a gun from some one of the bloekaders, and replied to occa-
sionally by one from the fort, neither doing the slightest damage.
On the land side onr communications were open and frequent.
Visitors and mails daily kept us posted. A change soon came.
Roanoke Island fell and the air was fall of rumors of the in-
tentions of Burnside. One day New Bern was said to be his
objective point, and the next day all eyes turned eastward to
catch the first glimpse of the lighter draught vessels of his fleet
conveying troops to attack Fort Macon. It soon became evident
that New Bern would be attacked before Fort Macon. Com-
parative quiet settled down upon the garrison, as nearly all be-
lieved that any attempt would be frustrated and the slight
prestige of General Burnside would be forever broken. Time
passed. The 14th of March came and New Bern was in the
hands of the Federals. A week of unrest fell upon the garri-
son of the fort. No effort had been made to strengthen the land
side of the approaches. All the country had been scoured to
secure intrenching tools for New Bern. Those at the fort had
been sent on the order of General Branch and none were left to
strengthen our position. The picket station at Lookout Light-
house was called in, the outlying garrison of the earth-works
at the mouth of the Straits was ordered to the fort, and every-
thing was done that could be to make the position as secure as
possible. Our garrison now consisted of five companies, num-
bering about four hundred men. Four of these companies be-
longed to the Tenth, and one. Captain Blount's, to the Fortieth.
Many of the men were on the sick-list, and at no time from the
25th of March to the 26th of April were there more than three
hundred men effective for duty. About the 23d of March the
enemy began to approach the fort. Carolina City (then More-
head) was garrisoned, and before the end of March the invest-
ment was completed. On the night of the 29th, just after dark.
Captain Pool was standing on the upper parapet with Colonel
White, discussing the situation, when lights sprung up all around
us, on the fleet, at the Federal camp on Bogue Banks, at Carolina
City, at Morehead, at Beaufort, on steamer in sound near Straits,
504 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Shackelford Banks completing the circle. " Do you see that,
Captain?" said the Colonel, sweeping his arm in a circle around
the horizon, and pointing to the lights "What is it, and what
does it mean ?" "I see it, Colonel," was the reply. "It is the
Federal anaconda of which we have read. Its folds encircle
Fort Macon, and they must be broken or they will crush it. It
means'good-bye to outside friends and all news from this time to
the end of the siege."
It should have been stated that some days before (March 23d)
a'formal demand had been made by General Parke for the sur-
render of the fort, which had been refused by Colonel White,
notwithstanding the liberal terms offered. This action of Colonel
White was cordially approved by all the officers and men of the
garrison. To surrender without a fight would be disgraceful,
and not for a moment to be considered, was the universal
opinion. The spirit of officers and men was unmistakably in
favor of resistance to the last.
Everything was done now that could be for the fast-coming
struggle. All outside buildings were destroyed; sand-bags filled
and placed so as to protect guns on upper parapets and sea-side
angles of lower parapets; ammunition for each kind of gun was
prepared and in readiness; the men had been constantly drilled on
the guns that they were to serve when io action. Cheerfulness
and activity prevailed everywhere in the fort.
A brief survey of the conditiou of the supplies in the fort at
this time will enable the reader the better to understand subse-
quent events. Captain King's commissary department reported
sufficient rations on hand — the supply of breadstufFs exceeded
proportionately other provisions. Lieutenant Coleman, in charge
of the magazine, reported sufficient shot and shell for several
days' fighting, but a lamentable deficiency of powder, and that
on hand was of inferior quality — in truth, of this most important
fighting material, there was not enough to reply vigorously to
an active^bombardment of three days. Thus equipped, the fort
was soon stripped and ready for the fight.
The picket stations outside were still kept up by Company H.
Tenth Eegiment. 505
The most distant of these was three miles west of the fort. The
landing of the enemy on the banjjs and their movements were
closely watched and reported until a movement in force of the
Federals on the 12th of April finally drove them within the
sheltering walls of the fort. The skirmishes between our pickets
and the Federals on the 8th, 10th and 11th of April will receive
attention later.
Duty to the living and to the dead officers and men who gar-
risoned the fort at that time compels the writer to state the facts
concerning the unfortunate disagreement between Colonel White
and all the officers arid men relative to the flour ration. As has
been stated, our supply of flour was disproportionately large,
but the Colonel, finding there was a soldier of the garrison who
had been a baker, resolved to issue baked bread in lieu of the
army ration of flour. This was done, it was said, to economize,
change the diet and relieve the company cooks. No one at
first objected to the change. All were willing to try the baker's
bread, though some were distrustful of the final issue of the
experiment. The fort oven was cleaned out, the baker and his
assistant were detailed, and all awaited with cuiiosity the result.
The loaves turned out were a sight to behold. Not one-tenth of
them was fit to be eaten. The " bake" was a subject for laughter
all over the fort, and the cry was "try again." The men were
not as yet hungry; the extra flour -saved from previous rations
prevented tliis. The second " bake " was no better, if as good
as the first. Some wag suggested that the loaves' be turned
over to the ordnance department to augment the supply of
"solid" shot. Soon this thing became serious, the men grew
hungry and laughter and jokes ceased. The bread did not im-
prove, and murmurs loud and deep arose. The officers, one by
one, represented calmly to the Colonel the growing discontent;
the Surgeon of the garrison from one of the " batches" selected
three of the best loaves, showed them to the Colonel, and told
him such bread was not fit for man or beast. The Colonel re-
mained firm, and said the garrison must eat baker's loaves or no
bread. The next morning when the daily requisitions for rations
506 North Cakolina Troops, 1861-65.
were made out they were sent to the Colonel, accompanied by a
respectful letter signed by all the officers commanding companies,
explaining the gravity of the situation, the just complaints of
the men, and the danger of carrying out his resolve with an
enemy so near, whose attack might commence at any moment,
which attack would have to be met by men embittered by
hunger — hunger caused by no scarcity of provisions, but by the
persistent determination of their commanding officer to force
upon them what they could not eat. The requisitions were re-
turned with flour stricken out and "baked bread" substituted.
Patience was now exhausted. Fresh requisitions for flour were
made out and the Colonel was notified that if the requisitions
were not honored before 9 A. M. details from each company, led
by its proper officers, would proceed to the commissary depart-
ment and take the flour to which each command was entitled.
On receipt of this note the Colonel sent for the officers, threat-
ened to arrest them and place a guard over the commissary. The
senior Captain said all present were prepared and ready to sub-
mit to his decree of arrest, should he issue one, but would like
to know did the Colonel expect to get his guard for the precious
flour from the hungry, half-starved men of the garrison. This
seemed a poser, but an angry discussion ensued and the parties
separated without the slightest appearance of a settlement, in
fact, the breach seemed wider than ever. The officers returned
to their quarters, ordered the details made out and the sergeants
instructed to report with the men on the parade ground at the
first tap of the drum. Five minutes before 9 A. M. Captain
King hurried into the parade ground and announced that the
Colonel had signed the requisition for flour, and had instructed
him to issue it in future until the supply was exhausted.
Thus ended this most disagreeable episode, but the bitterness
of it lasted some days, and there were some who never forgave
the Colonel until the day of the bombardment, when all rancor
and bitterness were lost in admiration of his soldierly bearing,
his utter disregard of all personal danger, his careful supervision
of all the details of the fight, and his cheerfulness in every part
where that presence seemed most to be needed.
Tenth Kegimbnt. 507
The above plain statement is made to correct an"injustice done
to the garrison by Colonel White's report, as will be shown by
the extract which follows: "During the siege some discontent
arose among the garrison, which ended in several desertions.
The men complained of their fare, although furnished with full
rations, and seemed to be dissatisfied with being shut up in so
small a place so near their relatives and friends, but unable to
communicate with them. I am sorry to say the officers did not
act in a proper manner to suppress the difficulty."
A statement similar to the above seems to have been made to
General R. E. Lee, as the following extract from a letter to
General T. H. Holmes, dated April 15, 1862, will show:
" I am deeply grieved to hear of the discontent and insubordi-
nation which is reported to exist among the troops in Fort Macon.
In addition to the other matters, Lieutenant Fenrose (Primrose)
tells me they complain of their fare. This is much to be re-
gretted, but I suppose it is now beyond remedy. . Indeed, from
the account given me, I very much doubt whether even tolerable
resistance would be made if the fort were attacked, and you are
authorized, if it be possible, to withdraw the garrison and secure
such of the public property as can be brought oflP, if you think
it advisable."
This letter of General Lee was in reply to one from General
Holmes, dated 13th April, which unfortunately has not been
found. How information reached General Holmes and General
Lee will now be shown.
Some days after the complete investment of the fort it was
determined to make an effort to communicate with the Confed-
erate authorities, and ask if any relief could be given. The most
feasible plan was to send a boat and crew — fewer obstacles in the
way of success were to be met on the ocean than on the land.
A boat's crew were detailed and Lieutenants Coleman and Prim-
rose were placed in charge. Full instructions, verbal and writ-
ten, were given, and the boat, one dark night early in April, was
sent out. The party reached the Confederate lines safely, al-
508 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
though those at the fort never knew it till after the surrender.
The difficulty between Colonel White and the officers and men
of the garrison was most unpleasant while it lasted, but it did
not affect the morale of the troops, as was clearly shown by sub-
sequent events. On the 11th or 12th of April, when the
pickets were finally driven in, a shaVp skirmish occurred, in
which one man from the garrison (Benjamin H. Bell) was
slightly wounded. Some injury was inflicted upon the enemy,
but how great is not known. The time was now fully employed.
The men in the fort, all internal trouble ended, were cheerful,
expectant. Outside, night and day, the workingparty of the enemy
was busy, and although almost the exact localities where they
were employed were known, very little was done by the garrison
to annoy them — to reach them by a direct fire was almost im-
possible, intervening sand-hills preventing — there were no mor-
tars in the fort, and there was no powder to waste in experiments.
On the 23d General Burnside made another formal demand for
the surrender of the fort, which Colonel White respectfully
declined. At daylight of the 25th fire was opened by the
enemy, the guns of the fort replying promptly and rapidly.
Every gun bearing on the enemy's land batteries was served
skillfully. The roar of Guion's, Pool's, Manney's and Blount's
guns was incessant. Cogdell's batteries did not bear upon the
land. In less than an hour guns from seaward announced the
approach of another foe. The blockading squadron had run in
and opened fire. Promptly the heavy guns of Guion and Pool
changed the direction of their fire and paid their respects to the
fleet. Here was game for which we were prepared and anxious
to meet. So accurate was the fire of our gunners that in less
than an hour the vessels drew off" beyond range, one disabled
and two others in a damaged condition. From this point Colo-
nel White's report tells the story clearly and concisely:
" The attack from land was kept up with great vigor, the
enemy having immense advantage from his superior force,
being able to relieve his men at the guns, while our rnorning
reports showed only two hundred and sixty-three men for duty.
Tenth Regiment. 509
Our guns were well managed, but were able to do little damage
to mortar batteries and siege guns, firing through very narrow
embrasures. The enemy kept up a very vigorous and accurate
fire from both rifles and mortars, dismounting guns, disabling
men, and tearing the parade, parapet and walls of the fort.
At 6:30 p. M., finding that our loss had been very great, and
from the fatigue of our men, being unable to keep up the fire
with but two guns, a proposition was made to General Parke
for the surrender of Fort Macon. General Parke demanded an
unconditional surrender, which was refused and the General in-
formed that the firing would be renewed immediately. He then
requested that the firing should cease until the next morning, in
order that he might consult with General Burnside, and that the
General should meet me the next morning at Shackelford Banks.
This proposition was accepted. On the 26th, at 7 A. M., I met
General Burnside as proposed, and a surrender was agreed to on
terms shown in the inclosed paper. The Southern flag was
hauled down at 12 M. and the men left the fort as soon as means
could be furnished. A portion crossed to Beaufort.
" Captain Guion's company started for New Bern on the 29th,
and ou the same day one hundred and fifty men, consisting of
parts of several companies, started for Wilmington on the United
States gun-boat " Chippewa," arriving at Fort Caswell at 7 p. m.
on the 28th.
" Our loss during the fight was seven killed and eighteen
wounded, two dangerously. Private Langston and Jewel I was
forced to leave in the fort. All others of the wounded were
brought off. A nurse was left with the two men. The fort was
very much damaged and nineteen guns disabled. Two days
more of such firing would have reduced the whole to a mere
mass of ruins."
The terms of surrender finally agreed upon were, that the
garrison wag to be paroled and to return to their homes, taking
with them all their private effects, such as clothing, bedding,
books, etc.
These were the terms proposed by Captains Guion and Pool,
510 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
who at 5:30 P. M. of the 25th had been sent from the fort with
a detachment of twelve men, under Sergeant H. S. Lee, of
Company B, bearing a flag of truce. General Parke, while
refusing to grant them, agreed to refer them to General Burn-
side. It was stipulated in their interview that everything should
remain during the night as it then was; that neither side should
repair any damages, if any had been sustained, and that no bat-
teries should be constructed during the night to be used the next
day, should the fight be renewed. The garrison strictly observed
this agreement, but the Federals did not, as the following ex-
tracts from their official reports will show:
Lieutenant Flagler says : " During the night the batteries
were completely repaired and the magazines were replenished."
Lieutenant Prouty says :' " During the night of the 25th shell
and ammunition were brought," etc.
Colonel White's estimate of our loss was rather less than it
really was. Of the forty-four guns comprising the entire arma-
ment, nearly one-half was entirely disabled. None on the
parapets facing the entrance to the harbor could be brought to
bear on the land batteries, nor could those facing Beaufort.
When firing ceased at 5:30 P. M. not ten guns in serviceable
condition could have been used to prolong the fight, and these
were all old twenty-four or thirty-two-pounders, except two Co-
lumbiads and one rifled twenty-four-pounder on the sea-face of the
upper parapet. One single shot from a thirty-pounder Parrot to-
tally disabled an eight-inch and a ten-inch Columbiad in Captain
Pool's Battery, mortally wounding three men and severely
wounding five others. No single shot fired during the war
probably did greater damage. It was the first battle of the men
in the fort, and in view of all the circumstances they fought
well; veterans of many battles could not have done better, and
not a man sought his bunk the night of the 25th who did not
expect to have to renew the fight the next day, and who was not
ready to do so.
A stirring incident was the escape of the blockade-running
steamer " Nashville," which some time before had run into the har-
Tenth Regiment. 511
bor with a prize. All the garrison knew that the attempt was to be
made, and the parapets of the fort were crowded to witness the ex-
periment. The night was dark and the stillness of death prevailed.
The "Nashville" showed rio lights as she steamed slowly and noise-
lessly out of the harbor. When it became morally certain that
she had escaped, a yell from three hundred Confederate throats
shook the air again and again, and though the distance was too
great for those on the Federal ships to hear, the exultant shout
was renewed and prolonged.
After the surrender of Fort Macon the officers and men who
had garrisoned it remained at their homes until August or visited
their comrades stationed elsewhere.
About the middle of August an exchange of prisoners was
made, in which the officers and men of Fort Macon were included.
A camp was established at Goldsboro for the men of tl\e Tenth
Regiment and Major S. D. Pool was placed in charge. Officers and
men outside the Federal lines rapidly reported. Before the end
of August the soldiers, armed as infantry, were drilling daily.
Major Pool was summoned to Raleigh, and was directed by
Adjujant-General Martin to hold himself and men in readiness
for an expedition, planned by Governor Clark, which Major
Pool would probably be called upon to lead. Orders came early
in September to proceed to Tarboro, N. C, where final directions
would be given. Arriving at Tarboro with about seventy officers
and men of the Tenth Regiment, Captains McRae and Cobb,
with about fifty men of the Eighth Regiment, reported to Major
Pool. Instuctions having been received, the command embarked
the morning of 4th September on two flat-boats and proceeded
with favoring wind and current down the river. Captain Man-
ney, with the Tenth Regiment, occupied the boat leading, Captain
McRae, with the Eighth Regiment, immediately following. Next
morning they reached Greenville, where the guide for the expedi-
tion was expected to join. None reported, and the boats continued
their course. At Red Bank the command disembarked and were
joined by four companies of infantry, two from the Seventeenth
Regiment and two from the Fifty-fifth Regiment. A squadron of
512 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
cavalry and a battery of artillery completed the forces. The com-
mand halted at the plantation of Mr. Joh n Grimes and captains com-
manding companies were met by Major Pool, who explained that
their destination was Washington, N.C., then garrisoned by Federal
troops whose numbers were unknown. All were directed to hold
their commands in readiness to move at 9 p. M., so that the town,
twelve or thirteen miles distant, could be reached at or before day-
break and the garrison surprised. Great care was taken to
impress upon all the absolute necessity of strict silence during the
march and the prevention of all communication with the town
during the night, so that the surprise should be complete. Writ-
ten orders were then issued to each officer commanding, explain-
ing what was expected of his command, and at the appointed hour,
9 P. M., the march began. About four miles from Washington a
road on the right of the main road was reached which led to the
town, passing through the plantation of Mr. John Grist, striking
the river-front of Washington by a broad gate-way opening upon
the main business or water street. Determining to lead the
infantry by this route, a slight halt was made, the cavalry and
artillery were again instructed to move cautiously to a point near
enough to strike the town quickly, and at the first sound of
infantry firing to dash in, and clearing all obstacles before them,
join the infantry at the Academy, where Captain Pool would
probably be found.
It is not within the scope of this sketch to tell what the men of
the Eighth, Seventeenth and Fifty-fifth Regiments, the cavalry
and light battery did. Upon the historians of those commands
this duty devolves. The writer's attention must be confined to the
detachments of the Tenth engaged in the assault. From the
first gun fired to the close of the action they bore a conspicuous
part. Among the first to dash into the town, fortunately enter-
ing it by the street on which the Academy was situated, they
found and seized four pieces of artillery prepared for immediate
use. To place them in position to sweep the streets was but the
work of a moment. Manned by detachments from the Tenth,
served by its gunners under command of Captain Manney, for
Tenth Eegiment. 513
more than three hours they held their position, dealing death
and destruction on those of the enemy who manned the guns
placed at the town bridge and at the crossing of the streets at
the court-house. Supported by a portion of the infantry, they
continued the unequal fight until 9 A. M., when a retreat was
ordered. Determined to save the guns they had captured, they
manned the ropes and dragged them by hand through the deep
sands of the street and the road leading into the town. This
movement was most skillfully executed by Captain Manney.
Two of the guns captured were dragged to the first street-cross-
ing, where, fully charged, they were placed in position to protect
the men and guns following. These pushing on in like manner,
guarded the next crossing. Thus, moving alternately at every
crossing, two guns protected our retiring troops, moving neces-
sarily very slowly. No enemy pursued. No guns except those
from the steamer attempted to molest us, and no charging cav-
alry was seen. At some distance from the town a detachment
of cavalry, commanded by Captain Rufus S. Tucker, met us and
assisted in dragging the guns through the heavy sand. The men,
greatly fatigued, marched very slowly. More than two hours
passed before the body of the troops comprising the expedition
was reached. These had been skillfully posted by General Mar-
tin on the banks of a run about three and a half miles from
Washington. General Martin, accompanied by some civilians
who had fled to the interior with their families when Washing-
ton was first occupied by the Federals, had followed the troops,
intending to enter the town should the assault prove entirely
successful. At the crossing of the run mentioned the first fugi-
tives from our forces were met. Utterly deceived by the reports
of these and subsequent and constantly increasing arrivals of the
same kind. General Martin, thinking the entire exjjedition was
a failure, reformed the men and posted them so as to give the
enemy a warm reception should they make an attempt to pursue.
His surpri.se was great and his pleasure probably greater when
Major Pool and the remainder of his command arrived with
captured guns and prisoners and reported the damages inflicted
33
514 North Caeolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
upon the enemy, so far as it was then known. The troops re-
mained here until sufBciently rested, then without haste retired
to the right bank of Tranter's Creek, remaining in camp nearly
two days.
A brief comparison of forces engaged, of losses sustained, and
of results and we will close this portion of our narrative.
In infantry the forces were about equal ; of cavalry the Fed-
erals had nearly three to one; and of artillery, two batteries to
our one. Federal loss, from their official reports, twenty-eight
killed, fifty-three wounded, twelve missing, captured by detach-
ment of the Tenth Regiment in the Academy. Confederate loss,
thirteen killed, fifty-seven wounded; of these fifteen or twenty
were made prisoners. The Federals also lost one gun-boat,
blown up, and four guns, captured and carried off by hand. In
view of this fact the rapid pursuit of our troops by the Federal
cavalry for eight miles (see report of General Foster), without
overtaking a single man is, to say the least of it, astonishing in
the extreme. A due proportion of the Confederate losses fell
upon the Tenth.
A full report of this fight was made by Major Pool to Gen-
eral Martin, Adjutant-General of North Carolina, which report
was filed in the office at Raleigh. In it justice was done to each
command, with detailed statement of all our losses. If this
report still exists (the writer has never seen it since it was made
and filed) it will verify every statement above made.
The detachment composing the command separated Sunday
and Monday, returning to their several posts of duty. The
Tenth reached camp at Goldsboro; Companies B, G and H
were soon ordered to Kinston, where they were joined by their
comrades from within the enemy's lines; the detachment of Com-
pany F joined other parts of that company at Wilmington, where,
with Company K, it did garrison duty a long time. From this
time until the fall of Fort Fisher and the evacuation of Wilming-
ton in the winter of 1865 the history of these two companies is
identified with the military operations of that district. They
will receive due notice as our narrative progresses.
Tenth Regiment. 515
In October, Major Stephen D. Pool was promoted Lieutenant-
Colonel of the regiment to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation
of Lieutenant-Colonel John L. Bridgers several months before;
John C. Manson was commissioned Captain of Company H, B. F.
Miller First Lieutenant, and private John W. Sanders was elected
and Commissioned Second Lieutenant. On promotion of Ma-
jor S. D. Ramseur to Colonel of the Forty-ninth Regiment
on the 12th of April, 1862, Captain H. T. Guion, of Company
B, had been commissioned Major. During November two dem-
onstrations were made against New Bern — one to hold the garri-
son in place and the other, under Colonel H. M. Shaw, to compel
the return of General Foster from a movement in force supposed
to be against the railroad bridge at Weldon. In both of these
expeditions Lieutenant-Colonel Pool's Battalion, Companies B,
G and H, of the Tenth, and Bunting's Battery participated.
The objects contemplated succeeded. Early in December, Gen-
eral N. G. Evans, then in command at Kinston, ordered the
battalion to the works on the left bank of the Neuse, two miles
below Kinston, with instructions to prevent the enemy's gun-
boats from removing and passing the obstructions in the river.
The battalion remained here until the 14th of December. Starr's
Battery having been placed under the command of Lieutenant-
Colonel Pool, a section of it in charge of Lieutenant T. C. Ful-
ler assisted in defending the works. On the afternoon of the
13th, information having been received that several gun-boats
were ascending the river, the works were manned and every
preparation made to give them a welcome greeting. Near sunset
the boat in advance came within sight and range of Captain
J. L. Manney's thirty-two-pounders. One after the other these
guns, three in number, were quickly discharged, and before they
could be reloaded the advancing boat, after firing two shots,
precipitately retreated, a bend in the river concealing and pro-
tecting her. Neither she nor any other of the advancing boats
ventured another approach to our works, and during the night
our scouts reported the entire fleet in full retreat for New Bern.
At 9 P. M., the river falling very rapidly and no farther ad-
516 NoBTH Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
vance of the guu-boats being probable or anticipated, Lieutenant-
Colonel Pool rode to headquarters to report the result and condition
of affairs at iutrenchments. In his interview with General Evans
he realized that an adviser is rarely thanked unless the advice
given suits the views of the person advised. After reporting and
listening with interest to the General's account of the fight below
Kinston on the right bank of the river, Lieutenant-Colonel
Pool, knowing the force of the enemy and the very great inferi-
ority of ours in men and artillery, ventured to suggest that in
his command there were very many skilled workmen; that he
could take up the only bridge that crossed the Neuse during the
night and plant the nineteen pieces of artillery belonging to the
command on the left bank of the river; that the rifle-pits on
our side would protect all infantry necessary to prevent any
crossing of the enemy until the expected Confederate re-inforce-
ments should arrive; that should Foster move westward on the
right bank of the Neuse the bridge could be replaced in an
hour, and the troops, after re-inforcemeuts should arrive, could be
thrown in his rear so as to effectually cut off his return to New
Bern. General Evans, rising from the sofa on which he had
been reclining, with flushed face replied : " Colonel, you and
your men are exactly where I need them most. I shall cross
the river early in the morning, protect my rear from the gun-
boats, and before noon I will give Foster the worst thrashing he
ever had."
To fight an enemy five times your superior in numbers in an
open field is always risky, but to do so with a broad river at your
back, with only one narrow bridge and no ford, is doubly so.
Next day the river was crossed, the battle fought, and the
Confederates were compelled to retreat before overwhelming
numbers, after fiercely contesting every inch of ground. The
bridge was fired, but the burning fagots were thrown overboard
by the rapidly pursuing enemy, who crossed the river imme-
diately after our forces reached the left bank. Colonel Mallett
was wounded, and his battalion, with some other detachment left
on the right bank, was captured. Others swam the river and
Tenth Regiment. 517
subsequently joined Lieutenant-Colonel Pool, and with that
officer reached Goldsboro safely the next evening.
The officers and men in the intrenchments below Kinston
could tell the progress of the battle as well as though they had
been spectators. At first the firing was distant and slow, soon
it became nearer, the boom of the cannon, the volleys of the
musketry and the sharp reports of the rifles became louder and
more rapid. Our troops were falling back in retreat, and soon
(2 p. M.) the rising smoke from the fagots on the bridge told of
disaster plainer than words could tell. The situation of Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Pool's command had become critical. He had
been ordered to remain and hold his position to the last. To
leave without sufficient cause would subject him and his force to
severe and merited criticism. He ordered a sergeant of Starr's
Battery, well mounted, to take a penciled note to General Evans,
if he could reach him, asking for instructions. In less than an
hour the sergeant returned, hot with haste, and reported that
General Evans and Forces were in full retreat; that he had
handed the note to General Evans, who read it and said he
had no time to answer notes and no orders to give. Not
satisfied to withdraw without more definite information, Lien-
tenant-Colonel Pool directed Lieutenant T. C. Fuller, whom
he knew to be cool and intrepid, to ride to a point as near Kin-
ston as he found prudent, note carefully the situation, and when
clearly satisfied in his own mind to return and report. ' It was
nearly 5 p. M. when the Lieutenant returned and reported that all
signs of the Confederate forces were gone; that between the
intrenchments and Kinston there was a very large force of
Federals; that he had counted eight regimental flags, and that
a regiment of cavalry and a battery of artillery, supported by
infantry, was moving in the direction of the intrenchments when
he left on his return. On this report the guns in our works
were dismounted and disabled, all the ammunition for which
there was transportation was loaded in the only wagon at the
works. What remained was dumped, with the shot and shell,
into the Neuse, the small iron guns followed, and the garrison,
518 North Caeolina Tkoops, 1861-'65.
already in marching order, moved from the works, taking the
road lo Snow Hill, not knowing the exact direction our troops
were marching. Squads of fugitives from almost every com-
mand engaged (men who had swam the river) joined the com-
mand. For want of definite information, the march to Snow
Hill was continued. At 1 A. M. the town was reached by a
weary, hungry and indignant body of officers and men. Early
in the morning the march was resumed, and the command en-
tered Goldsboro at 8 P. M. Leaving the men in line, the officer
in command sought the room of Colonel Bradford to report the
safety of the command, rumors of its capture by the enemy
having preceded its arrival some hours. The door of the Colo-
nel's room standing open, the military form of its occupant and
the face of General Evans were seen. Colonel Bradford was
asking General Evans as the intruder entered: "Where is
Colonel Pool and his command ?" The reply came (but it was
not from the lips of General Evans): " Present for duty. Colo-
nel ! " by the party asked for, and stepping forward his hands
were cordially grasped and a hearty welcome extended. Ques-
tions were asked faster than thoy could be intelligently answered.
They were both delighted to know that the whole command was
safe, and that in addition the Lieutenant-Colonel had brought in
about one hundred and sixty men from other commands. Before
day next morning the battalion was in motion.
The following report of the occurrences at the railroad bridge
on the 17th, made by Lieutenant-Colonel Pool, will show the
part enacted by the battalion that day. The report was made to
Lieutenant-Colonel Stevens of General Smith's staff":
"Goldsboro, N. C, December 19, 1862.
" Colonel: — Soon after day-break on the morning of the 16th
inst. my command, consisting of Companies B, G and H, Tenth
North Carolina Troops; Company F, Fortieth North Carolina,
and Starr's Battery of artillery, took the position assigned it
on the north side of Neuse River, commanding the immediate
Tenth Regiment. 519
approaches to the railroad and county bridges. Everything re-
mained quiet until about noon of the 17th, when the enemy,
occupying the south side of the river and east of the railroad,
opened fire with evident design of destroying the bridge. To
effect this his batteries employed for about two hours shell and
solid shot, occasionally discharging shrapnel along the north
bank of the river to dislodge any force there. The south bank
of the river, west of the railroad, was occupied by a portion of
Brigadier-General Clingman's Brigade, the left of the Fifty-
second North Carolina Troops, under Colonel Marshall, resting
against the bridge. Orders were sent me by Colonel Marshall
not to open fire with the section of Starr's Battery commanding
the bridge until his troops retired. About 2 p. m. the Fifty-
second broke and in confusion retired from the bridge, leaving
the south of that important structure entirely undefended except
by the forces on the north bank of the Neuse. Orders were
immediately sent by me to Captain Starr to open fire with shrap-
nel on the mouth of the bridge to prevent the enemy, if possible,
from entering and destroying it. The order was immediately
obeyed. While the left of the Fifty-second was resting, I saw
a small force of the enemy running down the railroad bank,
shouting and yelling as if in pursuit. Suspecting their design
to be to enter and destroy the bridge, I cautioned my men to be
on the alert, and as soon as they came within range to pour their
fire into them. This was done so effectually that two were in-
stantly killed and the others fled preci|)itate]y. Our fire having
disclosed our exact positipn, the enemy o])ened upon us with a
most severe fire of canister, shell and shrapnel for about half
an hour, our guns replying with rapidity and effect. During
this fire my men on the banks of the river remained perfectly
quiet, receiving the enemy's fire unflinchingly. Thinking they
had dislodged us, the enemy sent forward two men to effect the
destruction of the bridge by fire. I cautioned my men of the
approach of the men, and as soon as they broke cover for the
bridge fire was opened upon them. One fell back wounded, but
the other succeeded in reaching the projecting brick-work, where
520 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
he was enabled to complete his work in perfect security from
any fire from the north bank of the river. No effort was spared
by my men to reach him with their fire. Different points of the
bridge were selected and shot after shot poured in in the vain
hope of killing him. His work proved successful, and in less
than ten minutes the entire southern and eastern faces of the
bridge were in flames. Seeing the destruction completed, I gave
orders to retire to the rear of the section of Starr's Battery,
posted on the railroad. Subsequently my entire command was
ordered to the county bridge, where two pieces of the battery
were placed in position. Companies B and F were posted on the
west side of the bridge, while Companies G and H took position
on the east — all on the north bank of the river. Here we re-
mained during the night and until ordered to this point next
day. Late in the •afternoon of the 17th one section of Starr's
Battery, in charge of First Lieutenant T. C. Fuller, engaged the
enemy south of the river, near the point where the county road
crosses the railroad. All speak in high terms of praise of the
gallantry displayed here and the efficiency of Lieutenant Fuller's
fire. The details of this engagement do not come within the
scope of this report. Justice will be doue by the Brigadier-
General commanding at that point.
"I cannot close this report without expressing my admiration
of the coolness with which my officers and men stood fire for
more than two hours without an opportunity of returning it,
and of the gallantry displayed by all of Captain Starr's officers
and men engaged. Killed, three; wounded, six. Captain Starr
received a slight wound on arm from fragment of a spent shell."
Soon after the battle near Goldsboro the battalion was ordered
to Kinston to repair damages, reconstruct bridges and assist in
other work. Being the last organized body of Confederate troops to
leave the vicinity of Kinston, the battalion was among the first
to re-occupy the ground from which our forces had been driven
a week before. At this time a flag of truce was received from the
enemy asking permission to remove the bodies of certain Federal
Tenth Regiment. 521
officers killed the 13th and 14th. Permission was granted by
the General commanding, and the bodies were removed. From
the officer in charge of the flag it was learned that Lieutenant
Graham was the Federal officer who succeeded in firing the
bridge at Goldsboro. The act was a daring one, and the officer
deserved the promotion which he received. Before 1st January,
1863, all damages were repaired, fugitive families had returned,
and the fright caused by the invading army had subsided.
In November, 1862, Lieutenant Walter Pender, Company G,
was accidentally killed by one of the privates of his company,
and to fill the vacancy caused by his death, Thomas B. Haskett
was duly elected and commissioned Second Lieutenant. A
month later Lieutenant Haskett was slightly wounded at Golds-
boro bridge.
During the autumn of 1862 and the winter of 1863, some of
the soldiers captured at Fort Macon, and duly exchanged, having
failed to come out of the lines, a demand was made for them by
the Confederate authorities, but the Federals refused to compel
them to come out. This virtual desertion, caused by family en-
treaties, was more than compensated to the command by the
■constant arrival in camp of young and enthusiastic recruits who
had "run the blockade," and finding the battalion, had enlisted
and been assigned to the companies of their choice. The offi-
cers of the conscript camp protested against these enlistments
as contrary to the conscript law. Appeals were made to the
highest authorities at Richmond, and in every case those au-
thorities sustained the action of Lieutenant-Colonel Pool in
enlisting the recruits from within the lines, alleging that these
men having come willingly from points beyond the reach of
conscript officers, were entitled to enlist and choose their com-
panies.
1863.
On the recommendation of Lieutenant-Colonel Stevens, Chief
Engineer, the battalion was selected by the General commanding
the department for duty in that arm of the service. Lieutenant-
Colonel Pool was ordered to construct and equip sixteen pontoon
522 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
boats and drill his men in tlieir use and management. Golds-
boro was chosen for this work and the months of January, Feb-
ruary and March were fully employed. The men were instructed
in a drill devised by Lieutenant-Colonel Pool, no treatise upon
the subject being within reach. On the 28th of March all of the
boats were finished, their equipments were complete and the men
instructed in the drill prepared. General Smith and staff, who
witnessed the drill on the 28th, complimented the battalion on
its efficiency in their new branch of service and expressed his
entire satisfaction with the boats, equipments and men.
About the Ist of April the battalion, with boats, reported to
General D. H. Hill at Kinston for duty. On the 4th it was
ordered by General Longstreet to Franklin for immediate ser-
vice, and on the morning of the 6th or 7th we arrived at our
destination and went into camp. Brigadier-General Jenkins,
commanding, ordered the burnt bridge which had crossed the
Blackwater by the county road to be rebuilt. This was done
promptly by the battalion. A few days afterwards a pontoon-
bridge was thrown across the same river at South Quay in the
presence of General Longstreet and his staff. Roadways to and
from the river were constructed and the bridge laid in thirty-
two minutes. The width of the river at the point spanned by
the bridges was one hundred and sixty feet.
One division of Lieutenant-General Longstreet's Corps crossed
at Franklin and the other over the pontoons at South Quay.
Lieutenant-Colonel Pool was left in charge at Franklin during
the siege at Suffolk. The battalion was fully employed in re-
building and repairing bridges and making cables of twisted
telegraph wire. These cables when completed presented a remark-
able appearance. They would have taken the first prize for
ugliness at any of the expositions held since the war. They
were strong, however, but to what use they were put by General
Longstreet, and whether they answered his purpose, the writer
has never learned. The battalion remained at Franklin — one
company, under Captain Manney, was with a pontoon-bridge at
Ivor Station, I think. Captain Cogdell had charge of construe-
Tenth Regiment. 523
tion parties and Captain Miller was in cliarge of the camp until
some time after the siege of Suffolk was raised and General Long-
street's Corps had rejoined General Lee. In June the battalion
returned to Goldsboro with pontoon-trains, having first destroyed
by order all of the work it had so laboriously completed in May
and June.
At Spring Bank, on the Neuse, six miles below Goldsboro,
it remained for some weeks. In July 1863 the battalion was
ordered to report to Colonel W. F. Martin, Seventeenth Regi-
ment, between Tarboro and Williamston, to assist in repelling a
reported Federal advance in some force. On arriving at Tar-
boro dispatches were received from Colonel Martin, saying that
the reported advance had no foundation, and that no increase to
his force was required. General Martin ordered the battalion
back to Spring Bank. Though no enemy was met, the expedi-
tion was a disastrous one to the command. When about half
the distance from Tarboro to Rocky Mount, the breaking of an
axle of the tender caused a terrible accident, which would have
proved fatal indeed but for the promptness and cool courage of
Mr. James Knight, one of the oldest and most experienced
engineers of the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad, who was in
charge of the train. Promptly reversing his engine, he stood
by his train until the last. More than half the flat-cars were
dashed into pieces; men, guns, ambulances and ammunition were
piled in heaps on both sides of the track. When the train
stopped the sight and sounds were piteous — wounded men lay
everywhere, bleeding and moaning. The officer commanding
soon had details of the uninjured caring for and making the
wounded as comfortable as circumstances and the conveniences
at hand permitted. Fortunately the mail train from Tarboro
came up, and though the conductor at first positively refused to
take the wounded on his cars and back his train to Tarboro, so
that they might be placed in the Confederate hospital located
there, a decided threat to seize the train, and the statement of
the engineer of the wrecked train that hours must pass before
the wreck could be removed from the track and the injury to
624 NoETH Cabolina Tboops, 1861-65.
the road-bed repaired, caused the conductor to yield. The
severely wounded were put on board and, under the care of
Lieutenant James H. Pool, taken back to Tarboro and placed
in the hospital. The number wounded exceeded twenty, and
two were disabled for life. A hand-car having been secured,
Lieutenant-Colonel Pool pushed on to Rocky Mount to get
assistance and to telegraph the accident. The efScient character
of the telegraph service in North Carolina at that time may be
imagined when it is known that the wreck was removed from
the road, the track repaired and the train with the command
had been in Goldsboro one hour when the dispatch sent from
Rocky Mount, fourteen hours before, was received.
To meet a raiding party of Federals and assist in their capture the
battalion was called from camp at Spring Bank soon afterwards, but
a delay of six hours, caused by the absence of the Goldsboro operator
from his office, abd the further enforced detention of the train at
Wilson for the passage of the mail train, gave the enemy so much
the start that the cotton- mill at Rocky Mount and the railroad
bridge at that place were burned and the raiders in full retreat two
hours before the battalion reached the junction of the Weldon and
Tarboro roads. Two days of marching and counter-marching were
the only fruits of this expedition. It was so clear to any one con-
versant with the facts that the raiders ought to have been met,
whipped, their return cut off and the whole party captured, that
a court of inquiry was asked for to determine the cause of failure
and place the blame where it justly belonged. The court con-
vened, and after a thorough investigation the officers and men
of the battalion were completely exonerated and the failure
charged to the operator's absence from his office and to the offi-
cer whose regiment had the raiders hemmed in between Neuse
River and Contentnea Creek and delayed to attack them until
next morning. During the night a gun-boat from New Bern
ascended the Neuse and conveyed the party and its plunder, with
the contrabands, willing and unwilling, who were with it, to the
opposite bank of the river, saving it from the Confederate attack
next morning.
Tenth Regiment. 525
In August the battalion was ordered to Fort Branch, on the Roan-
oke, to garrison and strengthen it and prevent the enemy's gun-
boats from ascending the river and destroying the iron-clad gun-
boat which the Confederates were building at Edwards' Ferry.
Lieutenant- Colonel Pool having been ordered to relieve Colonel J.
A.J. Bradford of the command atGoldsboro during the temporary
absence of that officer on sick leave, Captain J. L. Manney was
placed in command of the battalion and fort. Detachments
from the battalion were constantly on duty at Edwards' Ferry
to guard the unfinished iron-clad.
In September the Tenth Regiment suffered the loss of its
Colonel, who died at Fayetteville among old friends and associ-
ates, and was buried with military honors. Upon the death of
Colonel Bradford, Lieutenant-Colonel Pool was promoted to
Colonel; Major Henry T. Guion was made Lieutenant-Colonel;
Captain Thomas Sparrow, Company K, Major. To fill the vacancy
in Company K caused by the promotion of Captain Sparrow,
Lieutenant William Shaw was commissioned Captain and the
grades of other officers advanced. Shortly after this time Lieu-
tenants Robert E. Walker and John M. Robinson, Company G,
resigned, and Lafayette Leecraft and William P. Canady were
elected and commissioned to fill the vacancies. To fill the
vacancy in Company F caused by the resignation of Captain W.
8. G. Anderson, Lieutenant Walsh was commissioned Captain
and the grades of other officers advanced. Ezekiel Hood was
elected and commissioned Second Lieutenant. On the resigna-
tion of Major W. B. Thompson at a later period. Captain James
Reilly, Company D, was promoted and commissioned Major.
During the winter of 1863, Lieutenant James P. Roberson,
Company H, resigned on account of failing health, and James
H. Pool was elected and commissioned Second Lieutenant, Lieu-
tenant John W. Sanders becoming First Lieutenant.
Sometime in March, 1863, Captain John C. Manson, Company
H, resigned, and First Lieutenant B. F. Miller was commissioned
Captain and Lieutenant James H. Pool First Lieutenant. Wil-
liam J. Bushall was elected and commissioned Second Lieutenant
to fill the vacancy caused by promotion.
526 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
1864.
Tbe latter part of January the battalion, with pontoons, was
ordered to Kinston, a formidable move on New Bern to be made by
General Pickett with fifteen thousand of the thrice glorious Army
of Northern Virginia. Little can be said in praise of the expedition.
Its results were almost nothing. A slight skirmish at Bachelor's
Creek, the driving in of the enemy's outposts and capture of a few
military and sutlers' stores sum up the victories of our division,
which failed of success, owing, it was said, to General Barton's fail-
ure to co-operate. On the south side of the Trent six thousand men
marched through water, mud and slush to the banks of Brice's
Creek and then marched back again. Colonel Wood's boat ex-
pedition down the Neuse, his capture and destruction of the
"Underwriter" under the guns of the fortifications and Brigadier-
General Martin's capture of the military post and garrison at
Newport were the redeeming features of the expedition. Three
sei;geaats of our battalion were with Colonel Wood. The
battalion had more than its share of the mud and toil. A
week of harder work, with less sleep and satisfaction, it never
experienced. Lieutenant-Colonel Guion commanded the de-
tachment with General Pickett, Colonel Pool that with General
Barton.
Comparative quiet prevailed in North Carolina until April,
Detachments from the battalion led by Captain Manney, under
the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Guion, with pontoons, ac-
companied General Hoke's expedition to Plymouth and assisted
in its capture. The detachments went with General Hoke
to New Bern and followed him to Virginia, when recalled
from the expedition in haste to defend Petersburg. Under
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Guion it for months defended
Fort Clifton on the Appomattox, successfully resisting every
attempt of the enemy's gun-boats to ascend. After the capture
of Plymouth and the evacuation of Washington, Company G,
Lieutenant Haskett commanding (Captain Manney was in com-
mand of detachments at Fort Clifton, Virginia), and Company
H, Captain Miller, were placed in charge of the forts at Ply-
Tenth Regiment. 527
mouth, and Company B, Captain Cogdell, was placed in charge
of the defenses at Washington. Colonel Pool, in addition to his
duties as commandant of the post at Goldsboro, having been
made inspector" of all the artillery in the military district of
Brigadier-General Baker, from time to time visited Plymouth,
Washington and Kinston in the performance of the duties of
his position.
Until the iron-clad "Albemarle" was blown up by a torpedo-
boat at Plymouth, and that town and Washington fell into the
hands of the Federals again, the battalion was separated. It
was then reunited (with the exception of detachments al Fort
Clifton, Virginia) at Fort Branch, where it remained until Decem-
ber, 1864, in command of Major Sparrow. On the 17th of
December, Captain Cogdell (Major Sparrow then on sick leave)
was ordered to assist in the defense of the Petersburg & Weldon
Railroad, leaving Lieutenant Thomas B. Haskett, with Sergeant-
major H. C. Pool and twelve men in the garrison. A force of the
enemy consisting of infantry, some cavalry and a battery of artil-
lery, advancing from Plymouth, reached the vicinity of Fort
Branch on the night of the 11th. Colonel James W. Hinton
with his regiment, the Sixty-eighth North Carolina, was moving
from Tarboro to meet the enemy. Fortunately for the fort. Cap-
tain Cogdell with his command returned from Virginia duriug
the night. Before day Sergeant Pool was sent to communicate
with Colonel Hinton and inform him of the situation. Riding
into the midst of the enemy, mistaking them in the darkness for
Colonel Hinton's command, he was captured, and found Colonel
Hinton also a prisoner. Colonel Hinton, with his Adjutant,
Captain Joseph Hinton, riding in advance of his regiment, met
the Federal advance. Expecting to find Confederates there, he
confidently rode too far before discovering his mistake. Captain
Hinton in the darkness succeeded in escaping and reached the
regiment safely. In the morning, finding that succor had reached
the fort and that Confederate, troops were near, the Federals pru-
dently retired. Nothing farther of interest to the garrison at
Fort Branch occurred for some months. All eyes were turned to
528 JSToBTH Carolina Troops, 1861-'66.
Wilmington and the forts defending the Cape Fear River. The
Tenth Regiment was there represented by Companies F and K
and Light Battery I, under Captain Southerland, which were
soon to feel the brunt of the battle. Butler in charge, assisted
by a formidable fleet and his powder-ship, whose explosion he
confidently expected would blow Fort Fisher to atoms and shake
the doomed Confederacy to its very center, reached the destined
point of attack, Fort Fisher, on the 21st of December. The
22d and 23d were too stormy fbr operations. At 2 a. m. on the
24th the powder-ship, with its four hundred and thirty thousand
pounds of powder, was exploded within three hundred yards of
the fort, doing no perceptible damage to the walls, armament or
men of Fort Fisher.
The bombardment from Admiral Porter's fleet on the 24th
and 25th was exceedingly severe. On the 24th alone ten thou-
sand projectiles were hurled at the fort and adjacent works; but
with the attack upon and the general defense of the fort this
sketch has little to do: of the Tenth it treats. One hundred
and ten officers and men, Companies F and K, were in Fort
Fisher at this time. What was their conduct in the battle? Let
those who witnessed it answer.
General Whiting writes: "Of Major Reilly, with his battalion
of the Tenth North Carolina, who served the guns of the land
front during the entire action, I have to say he has added another
name to the long list of fields on which he has been conspicuous
for indomitable pluck and consummate skill."
And again: "The gallant Major Reilly, with his battalion,
who had served the guns on the curtain during the entire action,
poured forth with the reserves, charging over the parapet and
through the sally-port and manned the line of palisades."
This is high praise: was it merited? Let others testify:
Colonel Lamb in his official report says: " Major James Reilly,
of the Tenth North Carolina Regiment, and Captain Daniel
Munn, of the Thirty-sixth Regiment, my field officer, discharged
their whole duty. To the coolness of Major Reilly we are in-
debted for the defense of the land face."
Tenth Regiment. 529
Major William J. Saunders, Chief of Artillery, says: "I would
beg particularly to call attention to the skill displayed by that
splendid artillerist, Major James Reilly, of the Tenth North
Carolina Regiment."
And again: " To Captain Walsh, of the Tenth Regiment North
Carolina Troops, great praise is due in the service of the guns of
his battery, exhibiting the skill of an artillerist and the coolness
and deliberation so essential in artillery practice."
Lieutenant Thomas Arendell commanded Company F and
Lieutenant Irvin Fulford commanded Company K during the
action. With the attack on Fort Fisher and its repulse the opera-
tions of the year 1864 closed, so far as the Tenth in North Caro-
lina was concerned.
During the summer of 1864, and until the close of the year,
the detachments of the Tenth at Fort Clifton (Virginia), com-
manded by Lieutenant-Colonel Guion, were almost daily engaged
in an artillery duel with the enemy.
1865.
The months of January and February, 1865, passed in compara-
tive quiet with detachments of Companies B, G and H at Fort
Branch. The routine garrison duties were regularly performed
and the command at all times was prepared to meet any emer-
gency. That portion of the command at Fort Clifton, although
almost daily under fire, suffered but little.
Companies F and K were again called upon to meet the
enemy. Admiral Porter's fleet, powerful in number of its ships
and in the calibre of its guns, appeared before Fort Fisher 13 Jan-
uary 1865, determined to succeed if success was possible. The
garrison, elated with their repulse of the enemy in December,
and confident of their ability again " to hold the fort," however
formidable should be the assault, calmly and bravely awaited
the terrible onslaught. It came, and although all was done that
men could do to repel the enemy the fort fell, and its brave gar-
rison, surrounded on all sides by vastly superior numbers, were
made prisoners of war. The future historian, in the light of all
34
530 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
the facts and circumstaDces connected with the fall of Fort
Fisher, will place the blame upon those who merited it. Cer-
tainly none rests upon the shoulders of the gallant Whiting,
Lamb, or the ofiScers and men comprising the garrison. Unfor-
tunately but few ofBcial reports of that action exist. If Colonel
Lamb ever made one the writer is not aware of it. He has
seen General Whiting's, made while in prison and dying from
his wounds. He does full justice to the defenders inside the
fort. Major E.eilly, who commanded the fort after the fall of his
superiors, reported the enemy in possession of the sally-port at
9 o'clock p. M. on the 15th. With this meager official mention,
we are left to our own knowledge of the men of the Tenth, who
formed a part of the garrison, to judge their conduct. They were
the same who had so well sustained the character of the North
Carolina troops in the previous attack (24th and 25th Decem-
ber), and we are justified in believing they did equally as well on
the 14th and 15th of January.
If Colonel Lamb made no official report of the second altack
upon and fall of Fort Fisher, his testimony is still upon record.
Ten years after the capture of the fort there was a reunion
of the garrison held at Wilmington, N. C. Among the ad-
resses that were made the one of welcome made by Major Dun-
can J. Devane and the response of Colonel Lamb are before
the writer. The former said : " Nowhere had the courage, the
fortitude, the patriotism of the men of Fort Fisher been sur-
passed. He himself had witnessed the magnificent bearing of
the Army of Northern Virginia — that of the men who fought
at Fisher was as great and heroic."
Colonel Lamb, in response, eloquently addressed the survivors
and citizens preseat at some length, and in conclusion said :
" I stand here a witness to the heroic bravery of that small
body of North Carolina troops, assisted by a mere handful
of Confederate sailors and marines, who after the fort was
entered and its citadel captured, and they might have surrendered
with honors, refused to submit, but withstood for hours the
Tenth Regiment. 531
fierce assaults of three splendid brigades of Federal soldiers led
by gallant officers. They disputed hand-to-hand every inch of
ground until pushed by the force of irresistible numbers to the
very brink of the sea, and then surrendered only when their
ammunition was expended and all hope lost.
"North Carolina need cross no ocean to search amid Roman
and Grecian story for examples of self-sacrifice in defense of
home and country, for here among her own sons, upon her own
soil, the valor of Pharsalia and of Thermopylae were reproduced,
and no correct history of this grand old State can be written
unless the defense of Fort Fisher by North Carolinians in Janu-
ary, 1865, be placed among the most heroic deeds in the drama
of our civil war."
G. F. Towle, Inspector-General of Terry's Expedition, says
of the garrison: "Through the whole evening, until long after
darkness closed in, they had offered the most stubborn defense.
Never did soldiers display more desperate bravery and brilliant
valor."
The loss in the garrison in killed and wounded was severe.
• The detachments of the Tenth suffered quite as heavily in pro-
portion to numbers as any other command in the fort. Lieu-
tenant Thomas Arendell, who commanded the men of Company
F, says that six or eight of his men were killed and as many
wounded. From Company K we have no report — all the writer's
efforts to get one having proved of no avail.
The oflBcers and men of the garrison were carried north as
prisoners of war — the officers to Governor's Island, N. Y., and
the men to Elmyra, N. Y. When exchanged the war was
virtually over, and but few of them ever reported for duty. The
other detachments of Companies F and K, which were on duty
outside of Fort Fisher, were absorbed by other commands, and
as infantry, after the evacuation of Wilmington, they participated
in the subsequent operations below Kinston, at Bentonsville, and
were finally surrendered by General Johnston at Greensboro.
In March the detachments of Companies B, G and H on duty at
Fort Clifton (Virginia) were ordered to rejoin their comrades at
632 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Fort Branch. This was done, and the reunited battalion, under
the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Guion, continued in garrison
until the 11th of April.
The headquarters of the Tenth were at Goldsboro until the
22d of March and the Colonel of the regiment was comman-
dant of the post. The second week in March all the troops east
of Goldsboro were withdrawn, moving westward under General
Bragg to re-inforce General Johnston and oppose the advancing
forces of General Sherman. Colonel Pool was instructed by
General Bragg to remain at his post until an advance of the
enemy in force from Kinston should render his position untena-
ble, then to establish his headquarters at Tarboro, rendering
every aid in his power to collect and forward supplies to General
Johnston's army, to remove to a place of safety all Confederate
stores, and to permit no public property to fall into the enemy's
hands. These orders were strictly obeyed. On the 2Ist (or 22d),
late in the afternoon, the forces of Schofield — an entire array
corps— advanced to form a junction with Sherman. In the
meantime all commissary and quartermaster stores had been
sent forward, everything belonging to the hospitals, with the
sick and wounded, had been removed by the surgeons in charge',
and about eight hundred bales of cotton had been sent to Hali-
fax and to points west of Goldsboro in whichever direction
transportation could be had. The three hundred bales, which
for want of transportation had not been removed, were, in obe-
dience to General Bragg's orders, totally consumed, not a bale
falling into the enemy's hands. The few Confederate soldiers,
provost guards, convalescents and men on leave retired by a road
on the northwest of the town at the same time that the enemy
entered it on the southwest. Colonel Pool was probably the last
to leave (except one), having promised the town authorities to
remain until the entire Confederate force had left. To Sergeant
John Miller, a Confederate scout belonging to the battalion, is
due the honor of being the very last. Returning frpm one of
his scouting expeditions late at night, he entered the town with-
Tenth Regiment. 533
out being aware of the enemy's presence. He soon found out
the situation and quietly withdrew before he was discovered. He
rejoined the command at Wilson or Tarboro.
Colonel Pool remained at Tarboro until the 10th of April,
visiting Fort Branch and other small posts, doing all in his
power to gather supplies; but little could be accomplished. All
that Edgecombe, Wilson, Greene, Pitt and Martin could furnish
had been sent to the army. The citizens were true and loyal to
the Confederacy, but they had little to spare. About the 1st. of
April, fearing to have the records of the Tenth regiment and of
the post at Goldsboro destroyed by some raiding party of the
enemy, having no force to protect them. Colonel Pool detailed
private Charles Phifer to take them to Concord, Cabarrus county,
and place them in the hands of his father or uncle, prominent
citizens of that town, for safe-keeping. During the spring or
summer of 1865 these records were turned over by the party
having them in charge to some Federal raiders, by whom they
were probably destroyed, as nothing has been seen of them
since. The loss of these records, with scarcely a monthly re-
port missing, renders the task of the historian of the five light
batteries particularly difficult. Were they in existence and ac-
cessible the writer is almost certain that he could show that the
Tenth Regiment North Carolina State Troops was represented in
as many battles, bombardments, artillery duels and skirmishes
as any regiment in the Confederate service.
On the 1 1 th of April orders were received from General Baker,
commanding the military district, to draw in all pickets, evacuate
and blow up Fort Branch, destroy all military stores, burn all
bridges on the Tar and others within reach on the Wilmington
& Weldon Railroad, and with the troops join him at a point on
the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad to be subsequently designated.
This order was modified at the request of Colonel Pool, it being
left to his discretion whether to burn the main bridge over the
Tar leading to the eastern counties or not. Thus modified, the
order was promptly executed. Halifax was selected as the point
at which the troops from Fort Branch, Tarboro and other points
634 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
should meet. The junction was promptly effected and the
united force moved rapidly to meet General Baker and his com-
mand. About noon on the 12th, from soldiers returning to their
homes from Appomattox Court House, it was learned that Gen-
eral Lee had surrendered. This news cast a heavy gloom over
officers and men. Pushing forward, however, they camped that
night at Macon, a depot on the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad.
Learning that General Baker's headquarters were at or near Ridge-
way, a station south of Macon, Colonel Pool rode forward, leav-
ing his men in camp, to make his report and receive final in-
structions. General Baker was found at the residence of Dr. W. J.
Hawkins, President of the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad. General
Baker ordered that the command should be moved to Ridgeway
and remain encamped with other troops until he could learn
whether it was possible or not to reach General Johnston. At
3 o'clock A. M. Colonel Pool reached his command, and at day-
break the march was resumed. On reaching the designated
camp near Ridgeway, great excitement and confusion were seen
to exist. Squads of men were moving in all directions. On
inquiry it was learned that orders had been read fiom General
Baker disbanding his command, and the men were taking the
nearest roads that led to their homes. The battalion was halted
and Colonel Pool briefly explained' to his men that it was im-
possible for three-fourths of those men from Wayne, Lenoir,
Craven, Carteret, etc., to reach their homes without passing
through a military district overrun by Federal forces; that as
they might be required to take the oath of allegiance, or be
marched off to some Northern prison, their best plan would be
to preserve their organization, move to some point near the
enemy's lines, and at the proper time capitulate on terms and as
an organized body, rather than take what was then, to officers
and men, the most hateful of oaths, or become prisoners of war
without parol. Officers and men agreeing that this plan would
be the best for them. Colonel Pool secured a modification of the
order of disbandment, so far as the men of the Tenth were con-
cerned and such others as might prefer to unite with them.
Tenth Regiment. 535
Having bid adieu to such men of the command as lived west of
the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad, who could reach their homes
without enteriug the Federal lines, the order " back to Tarboro"
was given and the return march begun. In addition to his own
battalion, Colonel Pool found himself in command of a consid-
erable additional force, an Alabama battery of artillery and
others, who had signified their willingness to obey orders and
share the fate of the battalion. At Halifax or Enfield somfe
rations were obtained, and ou the afternoon of the 17th or 18th
of April the command went into camp near Tarboro, on the
north or left bank of Tar River. Here a few days were spent
resting and consulting as to the proper plan to pursue. Rations
were becoming scarce, with no commissary stores at hand from
which fresh supplies could be drawn. At length a council of
officers was called, at which it was determined to send Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Guion and Captain Cogdell to Goldsboro to arrange
terms of surrender. The officers returned the morning of the
23d. The terms agreed upon were satisfactory. Stantonsburg,
Wilson county, had been chosen as the place of meeting, and
the 25th of April (Tuesday) the day. Bidding adieu to friends
in TarborOjthelineof march was resumed, and at noon on the 25th
all was completed, and officers and men who had stood shoulder
to shoulder, slept at the same camp-fires, or paced as seutinels
the same parapet, shook hands in sorrow and parted, many of.
them to meet no more on this side of the great river. Thus
ended the military service of Companies B, G and H, Tenth
Regiment North Carolina State Troops.
Before closing this sketch mention should be made of the im-
portant service of several scouts belonging to the command. The
two Bells (Joseph A. and B. H.), of Company H, and John
Miller, of Company B, with others, frequently penetrated the
enemy's lines and brought therefrom valuable information.
It is to be regretted that no complete list of the casualties of
the battalion during its service is obtainable, which, though slight
in comparison with some other commands, carried sorrow, trou-
ble and mourning into many households.
536 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Thirty-five years have passed since the final scene at Stan-
tonsburg, and of the regimental officers of the Tenth, Bradford,
Pool, Bridgers, Guion, Eamseur, Thompson, Sparrow, Reilly and
Manly have all crossed the river. Colonel Pool being the last.
Of the Adjutant, Lieutenant Allen, the writer has not heard in
twenty years; of the captains commanding Companies B, F, G,
H and K (Cogdell, Andrews, Manney, Manson and Miller), all
sleep the sleep that knows no waking; of the subalterns, Steven-
son, Primrose, Pender, Leecraft, Cannady, Pool and Bushall,
and of the non-commissioned officers and privates, many a score
have surrendered to that all-conqueror, Death. Some of these
offered themselves willing sacrifices to the god of battle, others
in hospitals, and still others in the gloomy prisons of the North,
far from home, friends and relatives; but most of them lived to
see the sun of the Confederacy set in the dark clouds of defeat
and the flag they loved so well furled forever; others passed
away during the dark days of reconstruction, while still others
lived to see a rehabilitated South, conquering all obstacles with
firm and confident tread, marching with the music of progress to
the high plane of prosperity, and then in the bosom of family,
surrounded by friends, they laid down their lives cheered by the
reflection that they had been true to the good "Old North State"
and the ill-fated but ever-glorious Confederacy.
In preparing this sketch the writer acknowledges his indebted-
ness to Captain H. S. Lee, for two years Orderly Sergeant of
Company B; to Lieutenant Thomas Arendell, Company F; to
Lieutenant Thomas B. Haskett, Company G, and especially to
the late Colonel Stephen D. Pool. He is also indebted to Orderly
Sergeant Buckman for a complete muster-roll of Company H,
John W. Sanders.
Caktebet CoDNTy, N. 0.,
25 April, 1900.
ADDITIONAL SKETCH TENTH REGIMENT.
COMPANY C— LIGHT BATTERY.
By captain a. B. WILLIAMS.
Company C, Tenth North Carolina State Troops, was organ-
ized at Charlotte, North Carolina, May 16, 1861, with the fol-
lowing commissioned officers: Thomas H. Brem, Captain; S. J.
Lowery and W. P. Lewis, First Lieutenants; Joseph Graham
and A. B. Williams, Second Lieutenants. Captain Brem was
one of the most patriotic men of the State. At the time of the
organization of the battery the Confederate Government was
short of funds for equipping troops, but this did not deter
■Captain Brem in the least. He advanced the money to fully
equip the battery, besides uniforming and feeding the men and
purchasing eighty head of horses. This outlay was afterwards
refunded to him, but in a depreciated currency. The battery at
its organization numbered about one hundred and ten men rank
and file. The men were enlisted in the neighborhood of Char-
lotte and the upper portion of South Carolina. The material
was excellent and the devotion of the men to the cause was fully
sustained by their four years of hard service.
The battery was ordered to Raleigh in July, 1861, remaining
there a short time, and thence to New Bern, N. C. We only
remained in New Bern a short time, being sent to Fort Lane, a
few miles below the city. At this point we went into camp
for two months, and were then ordered to Croatan Station,
ten miles below New Bern, on the Atlantic and North Carolina
Railroad. At this station we remained until March 12, 1862,
at which time the enemy made his appearance in the river.
Our battery was soon in readiness to meet him, but the light
field guns were too small to cope with heavy gun-boats, and
538 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
finding discretion the better part of valor, we fell back to our
line of defense about four miles south of New Bern and went
into position. Four guns were under command of Captain
Brem, and assigned to the center of the line, the writer with a
section of the battery on the extreme right. On March 14th
the enemy advanced on the whole line and succeeded in cap-
turing a large number of prisoners and all of the artillery with
the exception of the section commanded by the writer, who
managed to reach the county bridge before it was destroyed, and
there joined Colonel Campbell, of the Seventh North Carolina
Eegiment. We took up our line of march in the direction
of Kinston, N. C, reaching that point in two days, and went into
camp to reorganize our scattered forces. Charlotte, N. C, hear-
ing of the loss of four of our guns at New Bern, very gener-
ously contributed its church-bells to replace the lost guns, the
writer being ordered to proceed to Richmond, Va., to carry
out the wishes of the city, and as soon as the guns were cast
the battery was fully organized again at Petersburg, Va., and
was assigned to Branch's Brigade, which stopped over at Peters-
burg when General Branch was proceeding to Richmond to join
the Army of Northern Virginia. The history of this brigade
from this time on is too well known to be recounted here. The bat-
tery was fully equipped for the campaign around Richmond, and
took part in the battle of Malvern Hill, June 30, 1862. A few
days after the battle Captain Brem informed the writer that his
resignation had been accepted, but that he would not take advan-
tage of it until the campaign was over. The previous resigna-
tions of Lieutenants Lowry and Lewis left Joseph Graham the
senior officer of the battery, who was appointed Captain. The
battery, with other troops, was ordered to take position in rear
of McClellan's army, which was encamped about twenty miles
below Richmond on the south side of the James River. We
went into position at Old Fort Powhatan, about six miles south
of McClellan's headquarters, on the opposite side of the river.
The river at the time was full of gujj-boats, but our position was
too elevated for them to do us any damage. The battery fired
Tenth Regiment. 539
into a large side-wheel steamer, the "Daniel Webster," which was
making its way down the James River, not knowing whether it
was armed or unarmed, and hoping to make a capture. It turned
out that Miss Dix, the noted philanthropist, and who was the
moving spirit in getting the North Carolina Legislature to estab-
lish the asylum for the insane at Raleigh, was a passenger en route
to her home in New York. I think she had been as far south
this time as Raleigh, N. C, on a mission of peace and good-will,
and was returning via City Point, below Richmond, Va., where
she took passage on this boat. Be this as it may, she took great
umbrage at our unintended insult and roasted us severely in a
Northern paper for our "cowardly and uncivilized conduct," in
attacking women and children. Two gun-boats, attracted by the
reports of our guns, were soon on hand in defense of the "Daniel
Webster," and between them soon made it too warm for a bat-
tery of six-pound pieces.
We were often engaged in gun-boat attacks on the James
River, the most important of which was a night attack made on
McClellan's headquarters on July 31 , 1862, his army at this time
being encamped on the north side of the James at Harrison's Land-
ing, about twenty miles below Richmoud. The river at this time
was perfectly alive with gun-boats and transports to protect his
retreat. We were ordered to place eighty pieces of artillery at
Coggin's Point, on the south side of the river. Our movements
were undiscovered by the enemy, and the surprise was com-
plete when we opened fire at 1 A. M. on August 1, 1862. The
eifect of our attack caused McClellan to continue his retreat
farther down the river. This engagement ended the great " on
to Richmond" spring campaign of 1862. Our battery returned
to Petersburg and went into camp there for two or three months.
In the fall of 1862 we went into winter-quarters at Drewry's
Bluff, Va., where we we* e assigned to General Dan iel's North Caro-
lina Brigade. Nothing unusual occurred until February, 1863,
when we were ordered to proceed to Goldsboro, N. C, to join Gen-
eral D. H. Hill in his campaign against Washington, N. C. Gen-
eral Hill's troops were posted on the south side of the Tar River,
540 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
our battery, together with three others, all under Captain Joseph
Graham, who was placed in command by General D. H. Hill,
were sent to occupy a position at Rodman's Point, about a
mile and a half southeast of the city. We did considerable dam-
age to the enemy's shipping, but did not succeed in capturing the
town. General Palmer was in command in Washington. By
an order from General D. H. Hill all the artillery was trained
by daylight on the block-houses and Federal headquarters in the
town and at midnight every gun was fired, creating some dam-
age and great consternation.. For some reason General Palmer
went aboard a transport and slept, and just at dawn he ran the
gauntlet down the river under our fire. The artillerymen being
up-country men, knew little about where to shoot a boat to pro-
duce the greatest damage. Fortunately for General Palmer, he
arose early from his berth, as one of the rifled cannon shots is
said to have passed through his pillow soon after he had left it.
This news we got from New Bern a few days later, where he had
gone. Our troops retired to Greenville, N. C, remaining there
a few days, and thence we went to Kinston, N. C, and further on
in the direction of New Bern. At a point about eight miles
above New Bern we had quite a little fight with the enemy, pro-
tected by block-houses, but soon routed him, and he retired to
Newbern, N. C. A day or two after this engagement the writer,
with Major Richard C. Badger and Lieutenant Henry W. Miller,
met a party of New Bern refugeesmaking their way under a flag of
truce to Kinston. W^e took charge of the party, placing the ladies
and children in army ambulances and escorted them to Kinston.
The object of General Hill's campaign was to keep General
Foster from advancing into the interior of North Carolina.
Our battery did not remain long in North Carolina, soon return-
ing to winter-quarters again at Drewry's Bluff, Va.
Early in May, 1863, we left our quarters, going to Manchester,
where we remained about thirty days, and thence to the old Fair
Grounds at Richmond, Va. From this point Captain Graham
had orders to make hurried marches and overtake and report to
General R. E. Lee, who had started his army for Maryland and
Tenth Regiment. 541
Pennsylvania. We overtook them, and Captain Graiiam a few
days after the battle reported to General Lee in person at his
headquarters, two miles from Winchester, Va., and was ordered
to report to Major W. T. Pogue, commanding a battalion of
artillery, by Colonel Taylor, Adjutant-General, to whom he was
referred by General R. E. Lee. At this time General Lee was
thoroughly organizing his campaign for Maryland and Pennsyl-
vania. The artillery was formed into battalions of four and five
batteries each, our battery being assigned, as mentioned above, to
W. T. Pogue's Battalion,Third Corps, Army of Northern Virginia.
Previous to this a battery had been attached to each brigade. When
the organization of the army was complete in all of its departments
we took up our line of march in the direction of the Potomac.
When Front Royal, Va., was reached we there experienced what
actual war meant, orders being issued to prohibit any further
riding on the limber-chests of the carriages and all baggage not
carried by the men to be destroyed. The wisdom of this order
was very apparent; to make forced marches it was necessary to
be in light- marching trim. Nothing unusual occurred on our
march, the army passing through Winchester, Berryville, Mar-
tinsburg and Shepherdstown, Virginia; Sharpsburg and Hagers-
town, Maryland; Waynesburg, Chambersburg, Green Castle and
Cashtown, Pennsylvania, arriving within six miles of Gettys-
burg on the night of June 30, 1863, and camping for the night.
The next morning we began hearing the guns towards Gettys-
burg, but got no chance to get in until about 2 o'clock on the
afternoon of July 6th, when Major Pogue, under instructions, or-
dered Captain Graham to take our battery to the extreme right
of the line and lookout at a creek ford to prevent the return of
some Federal cavalry which had passed over that way during
the forenoon. When we started the battle was on in earnest on
our left and in front, and we experienced a warm time as we
galloped through a long lane with rail fences on either side, en
route to our destination. Shells were bursting in every direction,
with an occasional fence rail flying through the air. We were
soon out of the line of fire and had a quiet evening at the creek
542 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
ford, as the cavalry did not attempt to return. ' Just after sunset
General E. E. Lee, accompanied by General Longstreet, with
their attendants, rode up and halted. General Lee asked Cap-
tain Joseph Graham whose battery that was, and what he was
doing there, and if he had any support, which, strange to say,
had not been sent with the battery. As General Lee was speak-
ing to Captain Graham, General Longstreet was busy with his
field-glass scanning the surrounding landscape. When General
Lee finished questioning Captain Graham he also turned his field-
glass in the direction of the heights, upon which could plainly
be seen troops in motion. He remarked to General Longstreet:
" What people are those over there?" General Longstreet turned
his glass in the direction indicated and replied: "It is the enemy."
General Lee said; " I guess not; let me have your glass." Look-
ing through Longstreet's glass, he said: "Yes, that is true, and.
they must be gotten off there to-night or we shall have a hard
time to do it to-morrow." He then said to Longstreet, I think
it was: "Whose command is out there?" He did not know,
and General Lee again addressed Captain Graham: "Captain,
whose command is in front of you?" He told him he did
not know, as they had come in sight since his arrival at his post.
Then turning quickly to one of his mounted attendants, he said:
"Gallop forward and ascertain who is in front, and tell him to
push the enemy over the heights and hold him without fail."
General Lee then turned to General Longstreet and asked him
where his command was, and how soon he could bring it up.
General Longstreet replied that his command was, I think, six
miles away and the roads blocked, and that they could not be on
the ground before 2 o'clock the next afternoon. This was the
last Captain Graham saw of them, as he received orders to rejoin
his battalion, which he did. Up to this time the battery had only
brass six-pounders. That night Major Pogue informed Captain
Graham that a fine three-inch rifled cannon had been captured dur-
ing the afternoon on the left, and that he might have it if he would
take one of our inferior guns up and leave it in its place. After a
difficult hunt in the extreme darkness, among the dead and the
Tenth Regiment. 543
dying, the orderly succeeded in guiding us to it. We quickly
unhitched from ours and were soon on the way back to bivouac
with the new treasure, which did some good work during the
next two days of the battle. On the second day we were in line
all day, but not actively engaged at any one time, most of the
fighting in our immediate vicinity appearing to be to our right.
On July 3d our position was in the center, Pickett's Division on our
immediate right, with Davis' Mississippi, Lane's and Pettigrew's
North Carolina Brigades on our left and rear. Most of the
forenoon was spent awaiting orders, with rumors rife as to one
plan of attack and then another. At one time it was said that
the whole artillery force was to gallop forward to a certain line
and engage the enemy while the infantry double-quicked after
us, and when they had reached our firing line we were to cease
firing until they had passed far enough for us to safely fire over
them, when we should engage the enemy's artillery line again.
Listening to one rumor and then another, we spent the morning
hours until about 11 A. M., when General A. P. Hill passed
along and asked Captain Graham "if he could reach the enemy
from there," and being answered in the affirmative, he ordered
him to open fire, which was done with his six guns. In less
time than it takes to tell it the fire of several of the enemy's
batteries was concentrated upon us. Major Pogue came gallop-
ing up and ordered us to cease firing.
A little after midday on the 3d we opened with one hundred and
fifty pieces of artillery or more on the enemy's line, posted on a
range of hills south of the city of Gettysburg, the enemy replying
vigorously to our fire. This artillery duel was terrific, the report
of the guns being heard from fifty to seventy-five miles from the
battlefield. Just as soon as the artillery ceased firing our in-
fantry advanced on the enemy's position, charging up to his
line of battle, some of the men actually going beyond his line.
The much-talked-of Pickett's Division did nobly, and I have
for them the very highest admiration, but Davis' Mississippi,
Lane's and Pettigrew's North Carolina Brigades went just as
far to the front, and indeed a little farther. Our loss in the
544 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-'65.
three days' battle was exceedingly heavy, not short of twenty-
five thousand killed, wounded and prisoners, Pettigrew's Brigade
alonesustaininga greater loss than Pickett did in his four brigades.
One of Pettigrew's companies, I recall, went into battle full of
officers and men and came out with one sergeant and two privates.
It was not ii^the power of our men to hold the line after reach-
ing it, the enemy being so well fortified. This charge demon-
strated the valor of the Confederate soldier: no country ever
producing a better one. Our troops retired to our original line
of battle. The artillery sustained quite a loss, but nothing com-
pared to that of the infantry. The writer recollects that after
this engagement the batteries had less than twelve rounds of
ammunition to the gun, and twenty minutes more of firing would
have completely exhausted our supply of ammunition, which
being reported to Captain Graham, he ordered us to cease firing, as
there was no more ammunition to be had nearer than Richmond.
But luckily for us the engagement was not renewed, both armies
remaining inactive during the night of the 3d and all day of
the 4th. On the night of the 4th our army retired in the direc-
tion of Hagerstown, Md., going into position a few miles south of
the city at Funkstown. Our stay here was delayed on account of
the damaged condition of the pontoon-train, several boats having
been destroyed, and the Potomac being too high at this time for
fording, consequently we could do nothing but await the repair
of our train, and when this was accomplished we crossed over to
the Virginia side. Our stay in this, section of Virginia was
short, the army retiring to its old stamping ground around Cul-
peper and Orange Court House, Va., where we went into camp,
doing picket duty occasionally, but resting most of the time.
Nothing unusual occurred until the Bristoe campaign, October,
1863. On this march General Lee was trying to circumvent the
Federal army and get between them and Washington City. Cus-
tom in the battalion made each battery lead the march on suc-
cessive days, and this was our day at the head of the column.
Captain Graham and Major Pogue were riding in front, when
they were overtaken by General A. P. Hill, who told them that
Tenth Regiment. 545
just beyond the woods the enemy was lying down in the creek
bottoms taiiing his dinner, and to gallop out upon a certain hill
and open fire upon him as quickly as possible. We hastened
to obey the order and when we came in sight of the enemy, and
before he had discovered our presence, the whole face of the earth
in that vast plain seemed covered with Yankees. I never saw
as many at one time during the war. This was on the 14th of
October, 1863, and while the other batteries of the battalion were
present, Graham's Battery was the only one actively engaged,
and it was a hot place, as shown by the casualties, arayuntiug in
killed and wounded to about one-half of the men engaged. The
writer had the honor to open the engagement with his section of
rifle-guns, but General Hill had, in his anxiety to attack before
General Ewell (who came up another road) should get the credit,
rushed us into a very unequal conflict, and in a short time we
were in a duel with sixteen pieces of artillery, about one-half
belonging to the regular artillery. We drove one of those bat-
teries out of position once, but they outnumbered us so far that
we were glad when night threw its protecting pall over our
dead and wounded and put an end to this unequal contest. About
two hundred yards to our right, beyond a clump of pines, Mc-
intosh's Battalion was captured by infantry. Our infantry was
advanced to the front, in the direction of the railroad cut, with no
thought of an enemy being in position until within two hundred
yards of the cut, when he rose up from behind the embankment
and opened a murderous fire on our advancing column. The de-
struction of life was something awful to contemplate. I never
saw men fall faster in any battle during the war. Our battery
was in line just on the left of Cooke's Brigade. General A. P. Hill
was responsible for our defeat here. It is said that General
Hill went up that night to General Lee's headquarters and
asked him for orders, and the magnanimous General Lee replied:
"General, I cannot see anything for you to do except to bury
your unfortunate dead." Only a few regiments had been put
into action by General Hill, though three full divisions of in-
fantry and twelve batteries of artillery were near at hand and
35
546 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
could have been used. We were outnumbered and badly outgen-
eraled in this engagement. The enemy retired in the direction of
Manassas and our army returned to Orange Court House, where
we again went into camp.
One night on the last of November, 1863, about 2 A. M., Cap-
tain Graham received orders to be ready to march immediately.
Before daylight the battery was on the road from Orange Court
House to Mine Run, where we went into position on the south
side of the stream on the first of December, 1863. The weather
about the. first of December was very severe, the ground being
covered with sleet and snow, and our men without tents or shelter
of any kind. We managed to be tolerably comfortable by build-
ing two rows of log fires about twenty feet apart and occupying
the space between the fires as sleeping quarters. The enemy's
artillery were in line of battle about fifteen hundred yards from
our front. The weather was so rough that neither side showed
any disposition to open fire. We remained in line about two
days, when both armies seemed willing to retire. Shortly after
this the battery went into winter-quarters at Lindsay's Turnout,
not far from Charlottesville, Va., hoping we had found a place
convenient to forage and provisions for horses and men.
The winter of 1863-'64 was very severe indeed, the snow
being on the ground for months at a time. Up to this time our
horses had seldom suffered for food, but they could scarcely be
kept in serviceable condition during this winter on the scant
supplies they got. Captain Joseph Graham recalls that the horses
ate all the bark from the large oak trees in camp as high as they
could reach, and also says he remembers he sent an ever-watchful
and indefatigable quartermaster sergeant, Perry Smith, with
three wagons, on a foraging expedition, and he reported having
been into another county, thirty-six miles distant, and could
actually find nothing to buy, and that he hauled cornstalks thirty-
six miles which had been in the fields until January. His wagon-
mules had consumed most of one load before his return to camp.
We could do very little in the way of soldiering, keeping within
our shanties most of the time, nor did we leave camp again until
the Wilderness campaign opened in May, 1864.
Tenth Regiment. 547
In the latter part of February, 1864, Captain Joseph Gra-
ham, being a physician by profession, and seeing no hope of an
early termination of the war, and having given to the Confed-
eracy nearly three years of active service in the line, thought he
would' like to get the advantage of some of the great opportu-
nities in surgery which the war afforded, and sent in his resig-
nation as Captain of Company C. His superior officers, without
exception, all the way up to General Lee, did him the honor to
disapprove his resignation, but he had already been commissioned
surgeon, and being a friend of the Secretary of War; Seddon,
who had previously promised to approve his resignation as cap-
tain, in case he succeeded in- getting a surgeon's commission, the
resignation was accepted in the face of all the disapprovals. Thus
Captain Graham's connection with the battery was severed at
Lindsay's Station, Va., about March 1, 1864. The officers of
the battery were now Captain A. B. Williams and Lieutenants
Abdon Alexander, Thomas L. Seigle and H. A. Albright.
On May 4th we proceeded in the direction of the Wilderness,
going into" line of battle on the morning of May 5th to the left of
the old plank-rcad, just a little in rear of the edge of the Wilder-
ness. The undergrowth was so dense that you could not distin-
guish a man fifty yards from the front. The divisions of Generals
Heth and Wilcox wei'e advanced about half a mile in our front
and there went into line of battle. These troops were to have been
relieved by General Longstreet's Corps on the night of the 5th,
but the relief failed to show up, compelling them to remain all
night in this dense wilderness. It seems that Heth and Wilcox
were unprepared to meet the enemy's advance, and withdrew to a
point in rear of the Fifteenth North Carolina Regiment and the
writer's battery, thereby leaving our front unprotected. The enemy
continued to advance until they reached our line at the plank-road,
which position was defended by Colonel William McRae, com-
manding the Fifteenth North Carolina Regiment, and the writer's
battery. We succeeded in holding the enemy in check, the bat-
tery using double charges of canister, equal to twenty-four
pounds to the charge to a gun. Our position was a most criti-
548 NoETH Caeolina Teoops, 1861-65.
cal one; so much so that General A. P. Hill took charge of one
of my guns during the engagement. The battery did terrible
execution, the enemy's dead and wounded being found within
fifty yards of our guns, their line of battle reaching the caissons of
the battery. The long-deferred arrival of Longstreet's Corps saved
our army from defeat and possibly from annihilation, for if our
center had been broken both flanks would have been exposed to
the mercy of the enemy; but Longstreet coming just as he did,
saved us this mortification. Jenkins' Division was formed in line
of battle and immediately proceeded to the front. When within
about fifty yards in front of the writer's battery. General Lee
was seen to be at the head of the old Texas Brigade. When
this was noticed the men began to call on him to go to the rear.
This not being heeded by General Lee, the old Texas fellows re-
fused to advance until he retired, several soldiers actually taking
bold of the bridle rein of his horse. Among those I noticed
was a young soldier from Fayetteville, N. C, J. W. Atkinson, of
the Thirty-third North Carolina Eegiment. Mr. Atkinson was
a good soldier, and continued with his regiment until the close
of the war as its flag-bearer. General Jenkins succeeded in
driving the enemy in his front, but he lost his life in this en-
gagement. No attempt was made to advance by either side after
this charge, both armies remaining inactive until May 7th, when
both retreated in a southeasterly direction, parallel to each other,
until Spottsylvania Court House was reached, May llth, where
we found the enemy's advanced column in our front. On
May 12th both armies were facing each other on the entire line,
and soon became engaged in one of the most deadly battles of
the war, the loss on the Confederate side reaching into the
thouands, the enemy's loss being greater than ours. My bat-
tery occupied a position near the "Horse-shoe" iu the early part
of the engagement, but changed front to the left when General
Edward Johnson's Division was repulsed, this change of posi-
tion being to protect our rear. The battery lost several men in this
engagement, and the writer was wounded, which incapacitated him
for active service until October, 1864. The battery continued
to take part in all the engagements of the Army of Northern
Tenth Regiment. 549
Virginia until the campaign ended at Petersburg, Va., the army
occupying a line of defense from Dutch Gap on the James to a
point twenty miles south of Petersburg. The battery was in
command of Lieutenant Abdon Alexander until the battle of
Cold Harbor, where he was wounded in the head, splitting the
minie-ball in two, but not killing him. He moved to Texakana,
Arkansas, after the war, and died there. Lieutenant T. L. Seigle
then took command of the battery until relieved by the writer,
who took charge in October, 1864, in front of Dutch Gap, and
remained with it until the surrender of Lee's army at Appomat-
tox Court House, 9 April, 1865.
Of all the soldiering experienced by the wriler, that of firing on
Dutch Gap was the most disagreeable, we being continually under
fire both day and night for months from land batteries and gun-
boats in the river. The low bottom-lands of the James produced
chills and fevers and besides mosquitoes by the million to annoy
us both night and day. Our sick-list averaged fully sixty per cent.
This style of soldiering continued until April 1, 1865, when
we were ordered to proceed to Petersburg at once, as the enemy
was advancing on our entire line. The battery went into posi-
tion on the left of the Washington street road, about a mile and
a half to the west of the city. We went into action, but could
not hold our position long, falling back a few hundred yards and
opening again, the enemy still continuing to advance. We suc-
ceeded in holding the enemy in check a short time, but were com-
pelled to fall back to our inner line around Petersburg. General
A. P. Hill was killed in front of my battery a few minutes be-
fore we retired to our last position. Our array remained in line
of battle until about 9 o'clock at night on the 2d of April, and
then retired in the direction of Lynchburg, Va.
On the opposite side of the river the writer got several sacks
of corn meal, strapping the same on the limber-chests of the car-
riages. This proved to be a great blessing, as we failed to get
rations at Amelia Court House, the point to which the supplies
were to have been forwarded. We went into line of battle, but
were not actively engaged. At this point we destroyed large
quantities of army stores to prevent them from falling into the
550 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
hands of the enemy. Our arvay continued to retire. At Farm-
ville, Va., we bad two engagements with the enemy^ but did not
sustain any great loss. Sheridan captured one of my guns, but
did not hold it long. Lewis' (North Carolina) Brigade came to
our rescue and we soon had possession of the gun again. We
continued to move in the direction of Lynchburg, reaching Ap-
pomattox Court House some time before daylight on the 9th of
April, 1865. It did not take a Solomon to tell that our army
was in bad shape, both as to its organization and the position it
occupied. The enemy had us almost completely hemmed in on
all sides, our only chance being to cut our way through the left
and make for Lynchburg. This, I believe, could have been done
if an advance had been ordered at once. My battery happened
to be with the advance line under command of Major-General
Grimes, of North Carolina. We occupied a position about a
mile southwest of the Court House. This portion of the army
was hotly engaged, not knowing the army had capitulated. We
did not cease firing until our officers had ordered us to do so. I
do not know that we could have held out much longer, as the
enemy was placing several batteries of artillery in our immediate
front, the efTects of which would have been disastrous to us.
The writer's battery fired one of the last shots, if not the last,
fired by the artillery of the Army of Northern Virginia.
After ihe surrender our commanders were ordered to furnish
a full list of their commands as to the number of men and amount
of army stores to be delivered to the officers designated to receive
the same. All officers' personal property and side-arms were to
be retained by them. After this was done the men composing
the Army of Northern Virginia took foot passage to their respect-
ive homes, if not so fortunate as to possess a captured horse.
After this time the Confederate soldier was a thing of the past.
How well he has acted the part of a citizen, our Southern history
since 1865 will show.
Our loss in killed and wounded during the war was about
seventy-five. A. B. Williams.
Fayettevillb, N. C,
9 April, 1900.
ADDITIONAL SKETCH TENTH REGIMENT.
LIGHT BATTERIES A, D, F AND
By captain JOHN A. RAMSAY.
COMPANY A.
Company A, Tenth North Carolina State Troops, was organ-
ized at Raleigh, N. C, in April, 1861, as the "Ellis Light Artil-
lery," in honor of John W. Ellis, then Governor of North
Carolina. B. C. Manly, with one or two others, went to
Montgomery, Alabama, to see the Confederate authorities in
regard to the officers of the battery, and when they returned
Stephen Dodson Ramseur was commissioned Captain and B. C.
Manly, W. J. Saunders, B. B. Guion and Thomas B. Bridgers
were commissioned Lieutenants, all to take rank from April 16,
1861.
The non-commissioned officers were: First Sergeant, P. H.
Sasser; Second Sergeant, James D. Newsom; Third Sergeant, Jas.
J. Powell; Fourth Sergeant, James McKimmon; Fifth Sergeant,
.William B. Allen; Sixth Sergeant, Charles C. Wreushall; First
Corporal, William E. Pell; Second Corporal, Sidney M. Dunn;
Third Corporal, Samuel Nichols; Fourth Corporal, Ransom
Butler; Fifth Corporal, James N. Thompson; Sixth Corporal,
H.' Jasper Robertson; Bugler, George L. Phifer; Artificer,
N. W. West; Saddler, W. Parrott.
With the above named officers and about one hundred and
forty men, the company was ready for duty. The Captain ten-
dered the services of the company to the State for three years,
or the war. Governor Ellis supplied the company with guns
from the Arsenal at Fayetteville, N. C. • The battery consisted
552 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
of four six-pounders, two twelve-pound Howitzers, two large
battery wagons and two forges.
The battery left the State on August 2, 1861, being ordered to
Smithfield, Va., and was attached to General John C. Pemberton's
Brigade. It remained around Smithfield, Todd's Point and
Ben's Church, drilling and protecting the south side of James
River against the enemy.
On March 8, 1862, the company received orders to cross the
James River and report to General Magruder at Yorktown.
Then began real active service. The company was a great deal
nearer the enemy than it ever had been before and, of course,
was on the lookout all the time for a disturbance. Our first
engagement was at Dam No. 1, in April, and soon afterwards at
Warwick Island, some six or eight miles below the Dam, but we
heard of no casualties on either side.
On the retreat from Yorktown the company was attached to
Semmes' Brigade, and on April 4, 1862, opened the battle at
Williamsburg by occupying Fort Magruder, a mile east of Wil-
liamsburg. We had quite a race with the enemy as to who should
occupy the fort. The enemy had a six-gun battery about eight
hundred yards east of the fort, which gave us a hearty reception,
but in the course of an hour it was in the possession of the Con-
federates. Manly's Battery knocked it up and McCarthy's com-
pany hauled it in. The whole battery of six guns was captured,
with only two or three men and about that number of horses.
We had only two men wounded. Lieutenant Wrenshall, who was
shot in the leg, and W. E. Pulley.
A few days before this fight Captain Ramseur was appointed
Colonel of the Forty-ninth North Carolina Regiment and left
the company. Captain Manly then took charge. The battery,
up to this time, was called Ramseur's, but soon after Manly
took charge the men held a meeting at Camp Fisher and asked
that the battery be named after our Captain, and be called so
until the close of the war.
The company remained near Williamsburg a few days and
then joined the retreat to Richmond. On arriving at the Chicka-
Tenth Regiment. 553
hominy we had a small engagement with the enemy and suc-
ceeded in stopping his advance.
After the fight at Williamsburg, General Magruder never lost
a chance of speaking with the members of the company. At
Price's Farm, while he was talking with our ofiScers, orders came
to open fire on the enemy north of the Chickahominy, and he
remarked that he would stay and see the fun. The General
dearly loved artillery service. He was commander of a United
States battery in his younger days. The enemy retired here with
a small loss, and our next engagement was at Seven Pines with
one section (Lieutenant Guion's); the other four guns held the
ford at Price's Farm. It was one of Manly's limbers that car-
ried General Joseph E, Johnston to the rear when he was wounded
about sunset on May ], 1862. From this battle until June 25th
we were in line with our brigade (Semmes'). In the battles
before Richmond the battery was not engaged until the fight at
Savage Station, and afterwards held in reserve. At Malvern
Hill it was not engaged, but under fire all day. Corporal J. N.
Thompson and Dr. F. H. Seawell were wounded here. Corpo-
ral Thompson was from Mississippi, was at college at Chapel
Hill, and volunteered in this company.
After the battles around Richmond the company remained
between Malvern Hill and Richmond until August, 1862, when,
with the army, it took up the line of march for the Maryland
campaign. Those hot days will ever be remembered by our
army. Ou the peninsula we had rain and mud most of the time.
Cabell's Battalion was now formed and Manly's Battery was
one of the five companies that composed it. The battery was
attached to Semmes' Brigade, McLaw's Division, Longstreet's
Corps, and fought with Semmes the balance of the war.
The route of our troops was by Culpeper, through Warrenton
and Harper's Ferry, then on to Crampton's Gap, where we were
drawn up in line of battle, but not actively engaged; then on to
Sharpsburg, and were in line of battle there on the 16th and
17th of September, but not engaged. We had one man killed,
private R. A. Dial, and James Mabry wounded. R. H. Brooks
554 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
was captured at Warrenton, having been left there sick. After
this battle the company returned with the army to Virginia via
Winchester, where we lost two men as prisoners, Richard Amos
and J. W. Flowers. At this point Captain Lloyd's Battery,
of Tarboro, N. C, was disbanded. Lieutenant Payne and
Sergeant Lyon, with fifty-four men, were assigned to Manly's
Battery,' and forty-five to Reilly's. Lieutenant Payne took the
place of Lieutenant Saunders, who had been promoted to Major
on staff duty, and R. H. Brooks was appointed Corporal.
Leaving Winchester, the company went on to Fredericksburg,
arriving there about December 1, 1862, and took position near
the old mill west of the town at first, but during the battle we
were placed on the right of Marye's Heights, near the base of
the hill. While the company did not fire a gun it was subjected
to a galling fire. It was, during the early part of the engagement
on December 13th, in front of Meagher's "Irish Brigade," which
did some fine fighting. Here we had two men badly wounded,
privates W. A. Baugh and Gilbert Joyner. Several horses were
also disabled.
After this battle the army wintered near Fredericksburg.
Oar company spent the winter at Ruther Glen, Caroline county.
On April' 27, 1863, we broke camp to take part in the Chancel-
lorsville fight. The battery joined its brigade on the old plank-
road and took part in a running fight to Chancellorsville. The
next morning, after General Jackson was wounded, we went into
line of battle, our right gun resting on the plank-road one mile
east of the old Chancellor house. Our Captain had the gunners
to load ready for action and then accompany him to an old barn
with steps and platform on the outside, facing towards the
enemy. The order was then given to fire one gun at a time,
so we could get the range. It served us well, as the gunners
were enabled to be more effective in their aim. We used three
of the guns we captured at Williamsburg (Colonel Cabell was
kind enough to get them for Captain Manly). They were three-
inch Blakely guns that would shoot a mile as well as a half, and
they were very accurate, too. We remained in this position
Tenth Regiment. 555
nearly the whole time, advancing once to Qur right to assist Gen-
eral Wofford, who was on the right of the division. General
D. H. Hill came over to the company here and cheered the boys
up very much. We had some boys who had been his scholars
before the war began.
About noon on May 4th information was received that the enemy
had carried the heights above Fredericksburg and were advanc-
ing up the plank-road in rear of General Lee's army. General
Lee rode up to General McLaws and ordered him to send Ma-
hone's and Kershaw's Brigades and Manly's Battery to meet the
enemy. We first engaged the enemy at Salem Church, about 4
o'clock p. M. Manly's right gun was as close to the church as
it could be .served. In the church was an Alabama regiment.
We fought the enemy manfully until our ammunition gave out.
The battery withdrew a few hundred yards and replenished the
chests and returned to within a few yards of the church again.
Our troops fought until dark and repulsed the enemy, who
withdrew after night-fall and began to cross the river on their
pontoons. Manly's Battery was sent to a position to fire on
the bridge and was successful in breaking it in two places. The
next day found all of the enemy on the other side of the river.
Our loss at Chancellorsville was considerable. Lieutenant J. J.
Powell fell mortally wounded, private W. B. W. Williams, a
splendid soldier, was killed, and privates Blount Haskins, T. D.
Cook, Ben Drew, B. R. Strickland, D. C. Phillips and Addison
Spikes were badly wounded. Sergeant Robertson had his horse
killed under him.
On June 7, 1863, the commands of Longstreet and Ewell
were put in motion and marched north on their way to Gettys-
burg, Pa., our battery being with Longstreet's Corps. On. the
15th, Longstreet and Pickett left Culpeper Court House and
took position near the gaps in the mountains. On the 24th we
left the gaps, and on the 27th camped near Chambersburg, Pa.
On the 2d of July, about 2 o'clock, we reached the battlefield of
Gettysburg. Our (Cabell's) battalion was ordered by General
Longstreet to take a position behind, a stone wall, and a short
556 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
while afterwards to occupy a position between the troops of Hood
and McLaws, and to engage the enemy until all of the infantry
could be brought up and ready to pass the artillery line, then to
cease firing long enough for the troops to get out of the way of
our shots. When the artillery opened fire on the enemy it drew
a sharp fire on us. H. Clay Settle and Will H. Sherron were
wounded. As the charge was going on across the Emmitsburg
road, Cabell's Batteries were engaged with the enemy's artillery in
the peach orchard on our right. That battery played havoc with
two of our batteries. Captain Carlton's and Captain Eraser's.
They were on Manly's right, Eraser was on the right of Carlton,
and Captain McCarthy a few hundred yards to Manly's left.
While this terrible firing was going on General Barksdale, with
one of his Mississippi regiments, charged and captured the bat-
tery (Wade's New York Battery). There Barksdale lost his
life. General Semmes was also killed iu this charge on the Em-
mitsburg road. We fought until dark and then advanced to the
line the enemy occupied in the beginning of the engagement, but
later in the night we withdrew and occupied the same line we
had first taken.
On the 3d Manly sent Lieutenant Dunn with his section of
Napoleons to aid in the greatest artillery duel that ever took
place on this continent. Only one gun of the other part of the
battery was engaged. Colonel Cabell secured a Whitworth gun
and sent it to Captain Manly, and he had Corporal Cummings
with his detachment to serve it. With it he was able to reach
Big Round Top and annoy the enemy a great deal all through
the day. During the night our command withdrew and went to
Hagerstown, the battle of Gettysburg being a thing of the past.
We lost at Gettysburg private W. E. Ramsay, killed; private
B. Riley, wounded and captured; W. B. Parker, Mack Marks,
M. Mays, Pat Nolan, W. R. Carroll, Thomas Hill, J. R. Home
and J. G. Charles, all wounded. Dr. Eab. Seawell was left in
the enemy's lines with the wounded of the battalion. We had
several horses killed and wounded. One pair of wheelers was
killed with one shell, it going through both at once.
Tenth Eegiment. 557
After resting at Hagerstown a few days our battery was ordered
to Funkstown, where on July 10th we engaged a cavalry regi-
ment. They had arranged a rail fence so they could be protected
to some extent. Now and then we would hit a pile of rails and
destroy a few of them, but the most of our trouble came from a
two-story house a little to our left. The house was full of 'the
enemy, but two shots out of three from our first Napoleon struck
the house about the upper floor and we had no more trouble from
that quarter. Here we lost George V. Bridgers and Charlie
Harward, killed; Artificer Nick W. West, Orlander Burnett
and John H. Moring, wounded, and Sergeant Junius H. Dunn,
captured. At this fight we saw no infantry all day, and it was
the first time the battery had ever fought cavalry sharp-shooters
behind rail pens. That night the battery was moved to Wil-
liamsport, and in two days recrossed the Potomac into old Vir-
ginia. Oar corps (Longstreet's) went directly to Hanover Junc-
tion, twenty-eight miles north of Richmond. There it embarked
on the railroad for Tennessee, leaving our battalion in Virginia.
We remained near Hanover Junction long enough to take a much-
needed rest. From there we had orders to move to Gordonsville,
our battalion not being attached to any brigade at this time. We
remained at Gordonsville a few days and from there we went to
Orange Court House, then to Raccoon Ford, arriving there a
few days before Christmas, 1863, and spent the winter there.
During the four months at this place a good many of the men
visited their homes in North Carolina, soldiers living in North
Carolina getting a fifteen days' furlough. We kept our guns on
the hill overlooking the river, and on Christmas we gave the
enemy a salute, as there were a good many in sight that day.
On May 4, 1864, we broke camp and proceeded with the army
to the Wilderness, our corps having returned from Tennessee.
On the night of the 5th we bivouacked at Richard's Shops, and
at 3 A. M. on the 6th marched to Parker's Store, where we were
obliged to halt, there being no suitable ground for more artillery
on the front. Cabell's and Huger's Battalions proceeded that
evening under orders to New Hope Church, where they remained
558 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
until the morning of the 7th. The dense growth of the Wil-
derness left few openings for the use of artillery, so the battery
had not been able to find an opportunity in the battle of the Wil-
derness. On the 7th we were en route for Spottsylvania Court
House, and about 9 o'clock A. M. on the 8th we arrived in sight
of the Court House. Our battery was placed in position on the
Todd's Tavern road, and assisted materially in repelling the
enemy's assaults. On the 9th the battery took position on the
left of the line, but here, as in the Wilderness, the dense woods
prevented the effective use of artillery. We fired very little
and only at the enemy's infantry. On the 10th the day was
more active. General Anderson, who was in command of the
First Corps, General Longstreet having been wounded at the
Wilderness, was greatly pressed, and a part of Manly's Battery
was moved to assist in another place on the line about noon
(using the words of our beloved chief of artillery. General Pen-
dleton), again and again during the day mowing down the ene-
my's columns with canister at short range. There was very
little fighting in our front on the 11th. On the 12th the bat-
tery was engaged nearly all day, and had one man killed and
H. A. Crenshaw and one other wounded. Crenshaw was shot
through the breast and never returned to the company. Private
Luke Lassiter, a mere boy, had been with the company only
a few weeks, but died right at his post. Lieutenant Dunn was
wounded pretty badly and Sergeant Brooks slightly.
On the 14th and 15th the company moved with the other troops
by the right flank to keep in front of General Grant. From
day to day we fought a little and marched a great deal. On
the 31st the battery was engaged on the left of Hanovertown
with other batteries, and did considerable execution. At night
the First Corps, with the artillery, marched to the vicinity of
Cold Harbor to co-operate with General Hoke in an attack upon
the enemy's left. Manly's Battery, with the battalion, was or-
dered to report to General Kershaw. At this point we did some
very hard fighting, losing Lieutenant Payne, killed, and Lieu-
tenant Dunn, who lost a leg. Early in the morning the enemy,
Tenth Regiment. 559
while making an attack on the redoubt that Lieutenant Dunn's
guns were in, sent a solid shot into the muzzle of one of his
Napoleons, breaking out a piece eight or ten inches long, ren-
dering the guD useless. During the intervals of firing our men
would seek the little shade that gun-carriages would afford. On
one occasion of this kind private Atkinson, No. 1 at the third
gun, lay down under his gun to rest. His face was just on a
line with the muzzle of his gun, when a minie-ball struck the
face of his gun and spattered right down, making a lead-mine
of his face. Private Tom Hill, No. 2 at the same gun, think-
ing that no other ball would hit there, lay down in the same
place, and in less than two minutes he was wounded in the same
way. Both were pretty badly hurt, but remained with the com-
pany. Lieutenant Dunn's redoubt was knocked completely
down, burying several of his men under the debris of rails, logs
and red dirt. The lines at this point were only about three
hundred yards apart, and at times the distance looked shorter
than that. Calvin Holding and A. Spikes were wounded here
by pieces of wood striking them, and Gilbert Joyner was also
hurt here. Charlie McKimmon was shot, while not in action,
by a man in a tall pine tree on our left. General Pendleton
says: "Guns on our lines had to be covered from sight, and
many valuable men were lost at them, particularly in Cabell's
Battalion." Captain McCarthy, of the Richmond Howitzers,
was killed here by a minnie-ball going through his head.
Captain McCarthy was a noble man as well as a gallant soldier.
On June 17th our forces crossed the James River. The bat-
tery fired a few shots at Butler's Tower as we passed, but to no
effect. Soon afterwards we took position in front of the town
near Swift Creek, which position we held with almost unbroken
quiet, notwithstanding the close proximity of the enemy in
large force. On July 30th the mine was sprung, and we ex-
pected orders to move to our right but none came. Our guns
were moved near Petersburg and spent the winter on the lines.
In a skirmish near Petersburg Corporal Cummings was killed.
He lived in Petersburg, fought nearly through the war and got
back home to be killed.
560 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
In November, 1864, Captain Manly was promoted to the rank
of Major, and was appointed chief of artillery in General Hoke's
Division, and went to GeneralJohnston's army. Lieutenant B. B.
Guion was then appointed Captain and took charge of the battery.
There were many regrets when Captain Manly left the company.
He nevermissedafightthatthe battery wasengagedin, and neither
did Lieutenant Guion. In 1863, James MeKimmon, of Raleigh,
and H. J. Robertson, of Tennessee, were elected Second Lieuten-
ants, Lieutenant Robertson was at Chapel Hill at college when
the war began and volunteered in the company. Captain Guion
and Lieutenants McKimmon and Robertson were the only com-
missioned officers with the company when the surrender took
place. The company left Petersburg with the army on its tinal
move, and on Saturday morning, the 8th, the battery fired its last
shots near Appomattox Court House, repelling a cavalry charge.
On the 9th of April an order was received directing that
the guns be buried, gun-carriages and harness cut to pieces,
and the iten mounted on the horses, and that all make their way
by the most practicable route to Lincolnton, N. C. The men cut
the carriages down and burned the wood, buried the guns and left
for home about 12 M., as it was then known that General Lee
had surrendered, but they never surrendered. The battery
had only four guns here, because it had given two to a battery
that was not so fortunate as Manly's, which never lost a gun by
capture. Some of the men rode the same horses home that they
carried away in 1861. There was many a tear shed that Sunday
morning when the orders came to cut down the battery. One
poor fellow while he was at work cried like a baby, for he said
he felt like he was burying some of his people. Manly's Battery
composed a very small part of Lee's army, but its record in that
army is a creditable one.
Tenth Regiment. 561
COMPANY D.
Light Battery D of the Tenth Regiment of Artillery and
Engineers of the North Carolina State Troops was organized on
May 18, 1858, under Section 91, Chapter 70 of the Revised
Code of this State, and was incorporated under the name of the
" Rowan Artillery." The State furnished to the company two
guns and fifty swords.
On May 3, 1861, the battery received orders from Adjutant-
General John F. Hoke to prepare for twelve months' active
service, and going into camp at the old cotton factory in Salis-
bury, commenced a regular course of military instruction. On
May 8th, John A. Ramsay was elected Captain ; Calvin M.
Black, First Lieutenant, and William W. Myers and Jesse F.
Woodard, Second Lieutenants. By May 14th most of the men
were in camp, recruits were enlisting daily, and all officers and
men attended all the drills and other military instructions.
On Thursday, May 23, 1861, Captain Ramsay received an
order from the Adjutant-General of the State to proceed with
the company to Weldon and report to the commanding officer at
that post, but could not get transportation before the 26th.
On the afternoon of the 24th the ladies of Salisbury presented
a rich and beautiful flag to the "Rowan Artillery." Miss Martha
McRorie made a most beautiful address. "Captain Ramsay
made a capital speech in reply, not exceeding one minute in
length. He is a man for action, not words."* On Saturday,
May 25, 1861, the officers and men of the Rowan Artillery
bade adieu to kindred and friends, and arrived at Weldon on
the 28th. On June 12th, Governor Ellis telegraphed Captain
Ramsay to come to Raleigh. The Governor stated to him that
the expense of fitting up a light battery was so great that he was
unwilling to equip the company as artillery unless they would
enlist for the war. Upon his return to Weldon he informed
the officers and men of his company of the statements made by
♦From the Carolina Watchman of May 27, 1861.
36
562 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
the Governor, and in three days all of the members of the com-
pany had enlisted for three years, or the war.
On June 25th, Captain Ramsay went to Raleigh to see the
Governor concerning the arms and equipment for his.company.
He found the Governor in very feeble health, and in the inter-
view the Governor said he had used his best efforts, but he could
not get guns; that he regretted very much that the State could
not furnish a fine battery to the company; that the company was
from his town, and that he had a very great interest in it; that
the best that he could do was to furnish the members that were
without small-arms with rifles, and attach us to some infantry
regiment until we could get guns; that he would make the sug-
gestion to us that he had made to the officers of Company A of
our regiment, that we get a trained and experienced officer to
take command of the company and properly instruct us ; that
the demand for trained and experienced officers was so great
that those assigned to companies in a few months would be pro-
moted, and then we would all get the same places back, with the
advantages of thorough military instruction. He also stated
that he then had an officer without a command who had been in
the United States Army seventeen years, was well educated in
military science and tactics, and had served in the Mexican war,
and that he would send him to us if agreeable. Captain Ram-
say returned to Weldon and consulted with his officers and com-
pany, and on the 26th wrote to the Governor that the officers
and men cheerfully accepted his proposition, and requested the
appointment of the officer as stated, and that the company be
attached temporarily to the Fourth Regiment Infantry, North
Carolina State Troops, then in camp near Garysburg, N. C.
On July 20, 1861, the Governor and the Military Board
temporarily assigned the company to the Fourth Regiment In-
fantry, North Carolina State Troops, and made the following
appointments : James Reilly, Captain ; John A. Ramsay, First
Lieutenant; W. W. Myers, First Lieutenant; Jesse T. Wood-
ard, Second Lieutenant; William L. Saunders, Second Lieu-
tenant.
Tenth Eegiment. 563
On June 30, 1861, Captain James Reilly arrived at "Weldon
and took command of the company, and on July 1st the com-
pany moved by railroad to Camp Hill. Five companies of the
Fourth Eegiment Infantry, North Carolina State Troops, were
encamped at this place. Captain Eeilly reported to Colonel
George B. Anderson, commanding the regiment, and was assigned
a place for his company on the right of the line. On July 9th,
Captain Reilly received fifty rifles, a supply of small-arms for
the company.
On July 20, 1861, this company and five of the companies of
the Fourth Regiment left Camp Hill, under the command of
Colonel Anderson, en route by railroad to Richmond, Va., ar-
riving at that city on the 21st and encamped in the lower part
of the city, near the Rocketts. On the 25th we left Rich-
mond for Manassas, arriving there on 27th. This was certainly a
camp of instruction — drills every morning and afternoon and
special instruction by Colonel George B. Anderson for the offi-
cers every day.
On August 15th the company received four beautiful guns,
two ten-pound Parrotts and two Dahlgren Howitzers, trophies
of the battlefield of Manassas. At this camp Captain Reilly
delivered to the Ordnance Officer of the Fourth Regiment fifty
rifles and twenty-five of the Colts carbines. He kept twenty-
five of the Colts carbines for the use of the camp guards of the
battery. Jacob Lemly died September 1 2th and W. H. Black
October 9th — two of our best men.
On September 16th the battery left Camp Pickens, near Ma-
nassas, leaving the Fourth Regiment about two o'clock p. m.,
and encamped on the Braddoek road about five miles north and
east of Centreville on the same day.
Captain Reilly, Lieutenant Myers, Lieutenant Woodard and
the right section of the battery (the two ten-pouud Parrotts)
left camp with five days' rations, under the command of General
Walker, and marched to Flint Hill. September 30th, at two
o'clock A. M., we left camp under orders that all should be silent,
and marched to and came into battery on the bank of the Potomac
564 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
River, anfl fired twenty-eight shots from each gun at a large
building and an encampment of the enemy on the opposite side
of the river, a distance of about one thousand four hundred
yards. The firing of the Parrott guns was excellent. The ve-
locity of the projectiles thrown by them was double that of
Captain Latham's four six-pounders, the latter using five-second
fuses and the Parrotts two-and-a-half-second fuses. The shells
exploded at and in the building and the encampment. At the
first fire the troops that occupied the building and camp rushed
out in the wildest confusion and sought safety in flight. The
building was greatly damaged.
October 16th signal rockets were fired by the enemy, and the
battery left the camp near Fairfax Cqurt House at two o'clock a.m.
and marched and encamped a mile in the rear of Centreville.
While at this camp there was a parade and review of artillery.
General W. N. Pendleton was the reviewing ofScer. Six batteries
were present. General Pendleton said that the officers and men in
the various maneuvers acted like old soldiers. November 17th
the battery left camp near Centreville via Manassas Junction and
on 19th encamped three miles from Dumfries, Va. Drills were
resumed, and after about two weeks officers and men began to pre-
pare quarters for the winter. At this camp' many bundles and
boxes of clothing, provisions and delicacies of all kinds were re-
ceived and distributed to the members of the battery, giving
tangible and substantial evidence that they were not forgotten at
home. The ladies were organized and at work, and their eiforts
were duly acknowledged by the soldier boys.
January 11, 1862, Second Lieutenant William L. Saunders
resigned his office in the battery and accepted the appointment
of Captain of Company B, Forty-sixth North Carolina (in-
fantry).
In the latter part of December, 1861, and during the months
of January and February, 1862, the weather was very severe
and the roads were almost impassable; it was very difficult and
required extraordinary efforts to procure forage for the horses of
the battery.
Tenth Regiment. 565
March 8, 1861, the battery left the winter camp near Dumfries
and encamped near Fredericksburg, on the south side of and near
the dam on the Rappahannock. March 31st sixty recruits and
April 6th ten more arrived from Rowan county, N. C. April 8th
marched and on 12th encamped about ten miles from Richmond.
On April 15th marched and 18th, after marching fifty-seven
miles, encamped two miles from Yorktown. May 4th the battery
left camp near Yorktown, under orders to guard the rear of the
army and to march prepared for instant action.
About four miles from Yorktown the enemy came in sight
and the battery made ready for action. The enemy halted but
did not attack. When our troops, excepting the rear-guard, were
well out of sight the battery resumed its march.
About seven miks from Yorktown a battery had left two of
their guns sticking in the mud. Captain Reilly had the two
guns unlimbered and quickly attached to two of the caissons of
the battery and the two limbers fastened to two of the battery
guns, and we resumed the march.
About eight miles from Yorktown the enemy again came in
sight and the battery prepared for action. The enemy deployed
his columns and formed line of battle; Reilly's Battery stood
ready to fire the instant th,e enemy fired. General Johnston's
main army marched on, and had been out of sight for over fifteen
minutes, when Captain Reilly's guns were attached to their
limbers and the battery resumed the march.
On 7th the enemy advanced and made an attack upon our
lines, but on account of the dense forest artillery could not be used.
About ten o'clock a. m. Colonel Stephen D. Lee ordered Captain
Reilly to send his right section (two ten-pound Parrotts), Cap-
tain Bachman his two twelve-pound Blakelys and Captain
Moody his two Blakelys to a fine position he had selected on the
bank of the river, in full view of and covering the enemy's
transports. The six guns took the position assigned them. Lieu-
tenant Ramsay's section on the right. Lieutenant Schemmermeyer
in the center and the other two guns on the left, and commenced
firing on the enemy. In a few minutes a long, low boat moved
666 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
out from the boats and opened fire on the Confederate guns.
Their first shots went over two hundred feet above us, but
they began reducing the elevation of their guns until their last
shot passed just above the heads of the gunners of Lieutenant
Ramsay's left gun. Colonel Lee's command to cease firing and
move out by the right flank was promptly obeyed, and the sec-
tions returned to their respective batteries. The section from
Captain Reilly's batnery had fired thirty shots at the enemy, the
infantry had driven the enemy back to his transports, and the
battle of West Point was over.
May 8th we left camp near West Point. Encamped on 9th
at Baltimore Cross-roads. On the 10th the battery was ordered
on picket duty, which it performed for four days.
About ten o'clock A. M. on the 13th an officer with two
drivers and two pairs of horses came to the camp; the officer
demanded the two guns in the camp. Being refused, he rode
away, leaving the two drivers and their horses. About an hour
after a courier arrived with a note from General Johnston's Adju-
tant-General, requesting the officer commanding Reilly's
Battery to please give his reasons for refusing to let Captain
have his guns. Lieutenant Ramsay wrote a brief note, reciting
the facts. In about an hour the courier returned with a note
for the "Officer Commanding Reilly's Battery," as follows:
"Please find inclosed an order on the Ordnance Officer in
Richmond for two field guns (your choice) and a full supply of
ammunition, harness, implements, etc., for the same, and an order
on the Quartermaster's Office for all the horses, etc., needed to
equip two field guns. You are hereby instructed to deliver to
Captain — the two guns in your possession that he claims.
"General Johnston thanks Captain Reilly, his officers and
men for their patriotism, zeal and industry manifested in trans-
porting and taking care of the guns."
On May 20th, Captain Reilly and Lieutenant Ramsay went to
Richmond, and presenting General Johnston's order at the
Ordnance Office, procured two three-inch Burton and Ascher rifle
Tenth Regiment. 567
guns and a full supply of .ammunition, harness and implements,
and also all the horses, etc., needed to fully equip the section.
On May 31st we left camp and marched six miles on the Nine
Mile road, and were present at the battle of Seven Pines and
under fire but not engaged. June 1st, Lieutenant Ramsay's sec-
tion of the battery (two ten-pound Parrotts) was placed in posi-
tion and masked, but was discovered and fired on. The section
was not allowed to return the fire. Corporal Allen Trexler was
severely wounded. Lieutenant Ramsay's horse being struck by
a cannon shot at the rear edge of the saddle skirt, sank down
under him, but without injury to his rider.
June 5th the four rifle guns of the battery engaged the ene-
my's artillery in a duel across the Chickahominy River and
expended eighty rounds of ammunition. Lost four horses.
June 13th, battery left camp on the lines near Richmond, en
route for Staunton, Va., marched to Hanover Junction, and
thence by the Virginia Central Railroad to Charlottesville,
thence marched via Mechum's Station to Staunton,- then back to
Gordonsville. On 25th, encamped near Ashland, Va. On
26th, left camp about 6 o'clock a. m. and marched in a solid
column in the following order: first a line of skirmishers, about
two hundred and fifty yards in advance of the column; second.
Captain Reilly's battery marched ready for instant action ; third,
General Hood's Brigade; fourth, General Jackson's troops.
General Jackson was in command of the column, and ordered it
to halt frequently so as to keep the column well closed up and
solid. Late in the afternoon General Jackson ordered the bat-
tery to fire on the enemy engaged in obstructing the road in
front of us, near the burnt bridge on Jones' farm. After firing
about twenty rounds, and no enemy in sight, the battery ceased
firing. General Jackson ordered the guns to be elevated and the
firing to continue until he ordered it to cease. Expended in all
eighty rounds of ammunition.
June 27th the battery moved forward at sunrise and remained
in the field until about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when it was
moved in under the enemy's fire, but did not get into action
568 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
until near sundown. The enemy had three machine guns and a
three-inch rifle battery that were pouring a very destructive fire
upon the Confederate troops. Captain Reilly's Battery was
ordered forward in a rapid gallop, and took a position about three
hundred yards from the enemy's lines. In about twelve minutes
the enemy's machine guns were silenced and his rifle battery
crippled. The command to cease firing was given, the infantry
rushed forward with a thrilling cheer and charged over the
enemy's breastworks, and the battle of Gaines' Mill was over.
Expended one hundred rounds of ammunition. The three ma-
chine guns remained standing where their gunners were either
killed or driven from them. One of the enemy's three-inch
rifle guns got fast on a stump that they undertook to drive over
and the drivers, jumping from their horses, abandoned the gun.
About 10 o'clock at night, the gun being about half way between
the lines of battle of the two armies, the enemy's picket under-
took to ca|)ture it, but Colonel Law, commanding the Fourth
Alabama, re-inforced our picket with his regiment and drove the
enemy from the gun.
On the 28th, Colonel Law and his regiment presented the
captured gun, a beautiful wrought iron three-inch ordnance rifle,
four fine horses and harness to Captain Reilly's Battery as a
compliment for the splendid work done ihe evening before.
Captain Reilly turned in one of the Burton and Ascher rifles
and put this fine gun in its place. The battery encamped on the
lines.
On Sunday, the 29th, the battery remained in camp on the
line of battle. About noon the enemy exploded a vast amount
of ammunition. The report was deep and heavy, shaking the
earth. The smoke rose like a vast column about fifty feet in
diameter and seven hundred feet high, and spread at the top like
the capital of a great column. In a few minutes it disappeared.
On the 30th the battery marched seven miles to the White
Oak Swamp, engaged the enemy's artillery and drove them from
their position. Expended four hundred and fifty rounds of am-
munition. The battery crossed the swamp and encamped near it.
Tenth Regiment. 569
July 1st the battery marched four miles. In front of Malvern
Hill General Whiting ordered Captain Reilly and Lieutenant
Ramsay to make a thorough reconnaissance of Malvern Hill and
report to him. They had an excellent field glass, and rode over
the field at a distance of about one thousand yards from the ene-
my's batteries. They reported that the enemy had thirty guns,
in good position, on ground higher than the opposite side of the
valley, and that six of the guns were, in their opinion, twenty-
pound Parroft, and all of the others were either rifles or Napo-
leons. General Whiting said: "From the examination made,
what plan of attacjj would you suggest?" Captain Reilly re-
plied: "Our guns, excepting those we have captured from the
enemy, are inferior to theirs; many of our batteries have only
four guns, while all of>theirs have six, and I suggest that we
place eight batteries in position at the same time. The distance
is about one thousand yards, and smooth-bore guns are effective
at that distance; the only trouble is that the range is not accu-
rate." General Whiting designated the eight batteries that were
to be sent forward, and sent his couriers to bring them up at once.
The batteries were nearly ready to advance, when General Jack-
son rode up and asked why this delay. General Whiting ex-
plained the plan of attack. General Jackson replied that one
battery was sufficient,- and ordered Captain Reilly to advance
at once, take a good position and commence the action. The
battery took the best position it could get, and opened fire on the
enemy. The fire of the enemy's five batteries was concentrated
on our one, and was terrific. The battery had been in action
fifteen or twenty minutes, when General Whiting rode into the
battery, and seeing the situation, said : "Reilly, take your men
out of this." Captain Reilly ordered the men to march by the
right flank, and left the position. Expended one hundred and
twenty-one rounds of ammunition. Twelve men were wounded:
Milas Rufty, Robert Lentz, Abram Earnbart, John Carter,
Jonathan Hardister, Andrew Ruth, Robert May, Adam Cruse,
L. D. Ruth, W. H. Huff, Ignaz Schcesser and Milas Parks.
The battery lost eight horses, including Lieutenant Ramsay's.
570 North Caeolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
After night the battery moved back one mile from the lines and
encamped on Nelson's farm. On 9th the battery marched to-
wards Richmond, encamped on the Meadow Bridge road, one
and a half miles from Richmond.
On 21st drills were resumed. Nineteen condemned horses
were sent to Richmond and the men returned with forty-five
beautiful, strong, active horses — a full outfit for the battery.
August 7th the battery began the march northward.
On August 10th Captain Reilly rejoined us wifh twenty re-
cruits. We continued our march via Ashland and Hanover
Junction, reaching Orange Court House August 17th, the Rapi-
dan River at Raccoon Ford on 20th, Hazel River on 22d, and
on 23d engaged the enemy at Freeman's Ford. Expended forty
rounds of ammunition.
On 24th, about 10 o'clock A. M., a mounted man galloped
across our line of fire displaying a signal flag. General Hood,
who was near, ordered fire on the flag. Corporal Schcesser fired
his gun at a distance of about one thousand four hundred yards.
The shell exploded near the horse, who jumped about fifteen
feet. A second and third shot were fired with same results.
The rider approaching the Confederate lines, proved to be a staff
officer, and he thought he was under a flag of truce until his
attention was directed to the signal flag. Rider and horse were
unhurt. His' mission was to secure a cessation of hostilities to
bury the dead. The battery marched ten miles and at dark was
ordered on picket duty near Warrenton Springs.
On 26th encamped near Sperryville. Continuing the march,
on 28th the head of the column had arrived at Manassas Gap.
While standing in the road waiting to move forward the enemy
at the opposite end of the gap, with several batteries, sent a
storm of shot and shell through the gap. A small creek ran
through the gap, a railroad had been built on the north side, and
a narrow turnpike on the south side of the gap. About 5 o'clock
p. M. an order came to bring our four rifle guns up, which were
to the rear of our column, in a gallop, that the infantry had
been moved to one side of the road, and there would be no oh-
Tenth Regiment. 571
struction in the way. Lieutenant Ramsay moved forward at a
rapid gallop, and soon was near the gap. Colonel Walton gal-
loped up beside him and said : " Here is a guide, he will show
you a fine position, and give them h — ." The battery went on
and soon entered the gap, facing a storm of shot and shell, and
after advancing in the gap about one hundred and fifty yards
the guide said: " There is some mistake here, and I must go and
see Colonel Walton." He turned his horse in the narrow space
and started back. Lieutenant Ramsay ordered the battery to
halt. After waiting some twenty minutes he sent Bugler Peeler
to Colonel Walton to inform him that the guide had left us, that
there was no position in sight, and that instructions were desired.
After he had been gone some twenty minutes or more, Lieuten-
ant Ramsay knowing -that both the guide and Bugler Peeler
.might have been killed in that terrific storm of shot and shell,
sent Guidon Hall to Colonel Walton with the same message.
A few minutes later Major Sellers, General Hood's Adjutant-
General, came up the railroad on foot and said : "Ramsay, what
are you doing here?" He replied: "Colonel Walton ordered
us in here to find a fine position." Major Sellers replied : " I
have been up close to the enemy's lines and there is no better
position anywhere in the gap than this." He then turned to his
men and said : " We have got to get our battery out of this, climb
this mountain." The last three words were spoken with very
great emphasis. The men started up the mountain with a hearty
good-will, and in about ten minutes they charged down the
mountain with tremendous cheering. The enemy's firing ceased.
A few minutes later Colonel Walton rode up and said : "Lieu-
tenant, you had it pretty hot in here." Lieutenant Ramsay re-
plied, rather hot to be comfortable. He replied: " I have just
received reports from all the officers, and ' not a man, horse or
piece of property has been injured." Colonel Walton replied :
"You are the luckiest man ever God let live. If it had been
one of my batteries under such a fire it would have been cut all
to pieces."
The battery marched through the gap and encamped. On
572 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
29th marched nine miles and took a position on the right-hand
side of the Warrenton turnpike and engaged the enemy with
the four rifle guns. This was quite a surprise to the enemy. He
was engaged with General Jackson's troops, and we opened ou
his right flank, completely enfilading his lines. Expended fifty-
five rounds of ammunition.
The enemy changed his front and established a new line of
battle. The four rifle guns of the battery then took a fine po-
sition on a ridge at right angles to and about three hundred yards
to the left of the Warrenton turnpike. The battalion of the
"Washington Artillery was on our right, between us and the
turnpike. All the batteries engaged the enemy and kept up a
regular effective fire, and a storm of shot and shell was hurled
back. The guns grew so hot that the gunners could not touch
them, and the left gun of the right section fired a charge without
a primer. Although we were under a hot fire, the battery ceased
firing and the men raised the muzzles of the guns and emptied
all the canteens in them to cool them off. In a few minutes the
guns were again in action, and were well served until the last
shot in the chest was fired. The battery hastened to get a fresh
supply of ammunition. When the battery returned the enemy
had fallen back and the battery could not get a position. In
this engagement expended six hundred and fifty-five rounds of
ammunition. Eli Wyatt was wounded and five horses killed.
Four of them were killed by one shot. Bivouacked on the field.
On Saturday, August 30th, in the afternoon, the entire battery
was ordered to a position on the right-hand side of the Turn-
pike and engaged the enemy. The battery kept up a steady and
destructive fire. Expended five hundred and twenty pounds of
ammunition. Lieutenant Ramsay was struck on the right knee
with the base of a twenty-pounder Parrott shell, but it was so
far spent that it only bruised him a little. Richard Crowell and
Robert May were wounded. Bivouacked on the field.
On 31st the enemy retreated and the second battle of Manas-
sas was over. The battery moved and encamped near the Stone
house on the Manassas battlefield. Monday, September 1, 1862,
Tenth Eegiaient. 573
the battery marched a short distance and encamped near Sublett's
Ford. On 2d encamped near Fairfax Court House; on 3d
near Dranesville ; on 5th near Leesburg ; on 6th encamped four
miles from the Potomac E.iver. On 7th marched to and across
the Potomac River eleven miles and encamped near Bucktowu,
Maryland. On 8th encamped at Frederick Junction, on the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. On 10th near Middleton, Mary-
land, and on 12th two miles from Hagerstown. On 14th left
camp about 10 o'clock a. m., marched one mile towards Hagers-
town and halted to procure and cook rations. The men and
horses had been without rations for over twenty-four hours. The
Marylanders were so patriotic they would not sell us wood, but
we finally bought wood and the rations were on the fire. About
1 o'clock p. M. a courier came galloping up with orders to pro-
ceed in a gallop to South Mountain and report to General D. H.
Hill. The assembly was blown, the horses had been fed and
were quickly harnessed, the drivers and men took some of the
half-cooked rations off of the fire, and in about seven minutes
the battery was rumbling over the National road to South Moun-
tain. The battery arrived at South Mountain about 3 o'clock
P. M. General Plill was in the gap, and assigned the battery to
a position. The right gun was near the hotel. General Hill
gave special orders not to fire unless he ordered it, or our troops
were driven up the mountain and passed us. We remained
under the enemy's fire all the afternoon, but under the orders
could not return it. About an hour after dark the battery left
the position and encamped near the foot of the mountain. On
15th the battery was ordered to march in the rear of the army
as a part of the rear-guard. Marched eight miles and was or-
dered to take position on the right-hand side of the road leading
from Sharpsburg to the stone bridge across Antietam Creek.
About 10 o'clock A. m. General Hood ordered Lieutenant
Ramsay to take one of his rifle guns and go to a little ridge
about three hundred yards to the left of the road and about
three hundred and fifty yards in front of the line of battle, and
fire into a wood in front of the position, and if the enemy made
574 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
it hot he should retire. When he had fired about eleven or twelve
shots the enemy fired and made it so hot that the rifle batteries
in the line of battle along the heights opened fire on the enemy
to relieve Lieutenant Ramsay. After firing twenty-one rounds
of ammunition the piece returned to its position in the line with-
out any loss. General Hood rode up and thanked Lieutenant
Ramsay and the men for the gallant execution of his order.
The day wore away in picket firing. Bivouacked near the line
of battle.
On Tuesday, 16th, the battle began, and about 10 o'clock
A. M. the four rifle guns engaged the enemy and kept up a steady,
well-directed fire until the last shot was fired. The battery re-
tired and went rapidly to the rear to refill their empty chests.
Expended in this action four hundred and eighty-four rounds of
ammunition. Robert Allman, John Bringle, William Parks
and Abram Hodge were wounded. Two horses were killed and
one wounded and abandoned. Encamped in rear of Sharpsburg.
Wednesday, the 17th, battery still without ammunition. Cap-
tain Reilly with his greatest exertions could not get it. About
2 o'clock the left section of the battery (Howitzers), commanded
by Lieutenant William W. Myers, had procured ammunition,
and was ordered by Major Frobel to take position on the right
of our line, on the side of the hill, on account of the short range
of the guns. As soon as it took position it opened a very de-
structive fire on a heavy column of infantry that was then ad-
vancing, and held its position under a heavy fire of the enemy's
batteries and the column of infantry that ;was advancing. After
the section had been in action for some time Major Frobel or-
dered it to retire. Expended seventy-four rounds of ammuni-
tion. The loss sustained by this section shows that it was in a
very destructive fire. One piece of this section was disabled.
All the horses to its limber were shot, and the piece was drawn
by hand to the rear, under fire of the enemy's infantry and
brought to camp attached to the caisson. Killed: Daniel Misen-
heimer, Henry Miller and George Kepley. Wounded: Henry
C. Pool and Rufus Holshouser. Missing : Joseph Lyerly and
Wiley Earnhart.
Tenth Regiment. 575
About 3 o'clock p. m. the right sectiou's ten-pounder Parrotts,
commanded by Lieutenant Ramsay, had obtained a supply of
ammunition and started to the front. Near Sharpsburg we met
a large number of straggling soldiers going to the rear, and
farther on officers were trying to rally the men and form them
into line, and nearly abreast of Sharpsburg we met General Lee.
General Lee seeing Lieutenant Ramsay's telescope, said to him :
" What troops are those?" pointing to the position occupied by
Captain Reilly's Battery on the day before. Lieutenant Ram-
say drew his telescope from the case and handed it to General
Lee. He held up his wounded hand (fingers in bandages) and
said : " Can't use it. What troops are those ?" Lieutenant
Ramsay dismounted and adjusting the glass, replied : "They are
flying the United States flag." General Lee pointed at another
body of troops, nearly at right angles from the others, and said:
" What troops are those?" Lieutenant Ramsay replied: "They
are flying the Virginia and Confederate flags." General Lee
said: "It is A. P. Hill, from Harper's Ferry," and ordered
Lieutenant Ramsay to place his guns on a little knoll on the
right of the road and fire on those people (pointing in the first-
named direction). Lieutenant Ramsay then said : " General
Lee, as soon as we fire we will draw the enemy's fire." General
Lee replied : " Never mind me." Both of the gunners of the
right section, James M. Pitman and Ignaz Schoesser were ex-
perts, and the first shell exploded in the middle of the line, the
next a little to the right of the first, and by the time each gun
had thrown five shells the enemy had disappeared. General
Lee, with a pleasant smile, said : " Well done ! Elevate your
guns and continue the fire until these troops (pointing towards
them) come near your line of fire, then change your position to
the ridge on the right of the line and fire on the troops beyond
the creek." General Lee then rode ofl^, and the section kept up
a steady, eflective fire until General A. P. Hill's troops came
near the line of fire, then the section changed position to the
ridge on the right of our line and opened fire on one of the
enemy's batteries in position on the opposite side of the Antie-
576 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
tam Creek, and kept up a regular fire until the enemy's battery-
left the field, and afterwards on the enemy's infantry, and kept
a very destructive fire on them until they were driven from the
field and night closed the action. Expended fifty-six rounds of
ammunition at the first position and two hundred rounds at the
second and did not sustain any loss. The center section (three-
inch rifles), under the command of Lieutenant J. F. Woodard,
was not engaged. It could not get ammunition.
On Thursday, the 18th, before sunrise the battery was ordered
on picket and occupied the same position it first held in front of
Sharpsburg. After night the battery was ordered to its former
camp. On Friday, 19th, Lieutenant Ram-say, with one ten-
pound Parrott gun, was ordered to report to General Fitzhugh
Lee at 1 o'clock A. M. to cover the retreat. The remainder of
the battery was ordered to march across the Potomac River and
four miles beyond encamp.
Lieutenant Ramsay reported to General Fitzhugh Lee, who
had one squadron of cavalry with him on a. little elevation nearly
a mile from Sharpsburg. General Fitzhugh Lee placed a vidette
about three hundred yards in rear of the guard and dismounted
the men, giving the men and horses a much-needed rest. . About
half an hour after sunrise General Fitzhugh Lee ordered the
vidette to return to the squadron and directed Lieutenant Ram-
say to give the enemy a parting shot; to elevate the gun as high
as possible and use the longest fuse he had. The gun was fired
and directly the shell exploded. General Fitzhugh Lee ordered a
second and third shot, and these were the last shots of the battle
of Sharpsburg. Before the last shell exploded the head of the
enemy's column appeared on a hill about nine hundred yards
away. General Fitzhugh Lee ordered his men to mount. Lieuten-
ant Ramsay ordered the limber to the rear. The command "Trot,
march!" was given but not obeyed. Men and horses were worn
out. For four days they had been on the battlefield' and the last
two and a half days of the four without rations. The rear-guard
marched on and the rear end of the column was about the mid-
dle of the Potomac River when the enemy's column appeared on
Tenth Regiment. 577
top of the hill about niae hundred yards from the river. Just
as the guard started up the bank of the river the enemy fired on
them, but they marched on and did not sustain any injury.
On 20th encamped near the Occoquan, about two miles from
Martinsburg. On 29th encamped six miles from Winchester,
on the ^[artinsburg road. On this march a limber chest acci-
dentally exploded and mortally wounded Lorenzo Bullaboa and
Draughorn.
October 10th, under special orders from army headquarters,
one sergeant, one corporal and forty-three men were transferred
from Captain W. P. Lloyd's Battery to Captain James Reilly's.
October 29th, marched through Winchester, total distance nine-
teen miles, and encamped five miles from Front Royal. On 30th
marched through Front Royal to Flint Hill. On 31st marched
twenty-three miles to Woodville and November 1st to Culpeper
Court House. On 3d left camp, and on 22d reached Fredericks-
burg.
December 11th battery was ordered to take a position on high
ground, near Dr. Reynold's house, in front of the enemy. Occu-
pied the same position on 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th.
The enemy did not attack this part of the Confederate lines.
On January 1, 1863, Lueco Mitchell was appointed Second Lieu-
tenant and reported for duty. February 7, 1863, battery left
camp near Fredericksburg, en route for Richmond. On 18th,
at Guinea Station, battery and baggage were put on cars and
the wagons and horses marched to Richmond. On 20th en-
camped on the Petersburg Railroad, one mile south of Man-
chester. March 12th, Captain Reilly exchanged the two Dahl-
gren Howitzers for two Napoleons.
April 3, 1863, left camp near Manchester and on the 4th
marched through Petersburg and encamped three miles from the
city. April 5th, battery was put on the cars and shipped via
Weldon to Tarboro. On 6th arrived at Tarboro. On 7th
marched twenty-five miles and encamped near Greenville. On
8th marched twenty miles and took position in the fortifications
around Washington and on 10th engaged the enemy in his forts
37
578 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
at Washiugton. Expended one hundred and seventy-two rounds
of ammunition. On 11th expended one hundred and eighty
rounds. On 12th expended one hundred and seventy rounds.
On 14th expended one hundred and eighty-five rounds. On 14th
expended one hundred and eighty-five rounds. On 16th one
hundred and seventy rounds. The enemy had succeeded in get-
ting his boats up the river with ample supplies and re-infisrce-
ments, and the general commanding considered further efforts
to reduce the forts impracticable with the troops and means at
his command. General D. H. Hill in a note thanjjed the officers
and men of Captain Reilly's Battery for their efficient service.*
On 16th battery left the position in front of Washington and
marched twenty-six miles, en route for Tarboro, and on 18th
reached Tarboro. On 21st battery was shipped via Weldon to
Franklin, Va., arid on 22d arrived at Franklin. On 26th left
camp at Franklin, mai'ched thirty miles and encauiped near Suf-
folk, Va.
May 3d, took position in line of battle. One twenty-pound
Napoleon was in action and expended ten rounds of ammuni-
tion. May 4th, the battle at Suffolk being over, the battery
marched twenty-five miles and encamped near Franklin. On
5th, 6th, 7th and 8th marched eighty-six miles, passing through
Petersburg, and on 8th encamped near Manchester; 11th,
marched twenty miles, en route to Louisa Court House.
June 4th, encamped near Culpeper Court House. On 15th
marched twenty-eight miles and encamped near Washington,
Va. On 16th marched twenty miles to Markham Station. On
17th, fifteen miles to Upperville. On 18th, eighteen^ miles, cross-
ing the Blue Ridge at Ashby's Gap, and to Snicker's Ford, on
the Shenandoah River. On 19th the battery was placed in po-
sition on the left of the gap in the mountain. On the 20th the
battery left its position and recrossed the river at Snicker's
■"Carolina Watchman, May 18, 1863:
Apkii. 15, 1863.
Captain Reilly : — Many thanks to you, your officers and your noble men for their
efficient service. Would that you were attached to my command. I linow of no men
I would be so glad to have with me. May you-have as liappy and successful career as
you deserve to have. Respectfully,
D. H. HILL, Major-General.
Tenth Regiment. 679
Ford. On 22d marched to Millwood. On 24th encamped
near Bunker Hill. On 25th marched twenty miles to Falling
Waters. On 26th the battery, crossing the Potomac, marched
twenty miles to Greeucastle, Penn. On 27th passed through
Chambersburg and encamped two miles from the city.
Note by Editor.
Here Captain Ramsay's manuscript broke off. The following
data as to remainder of the record of Company D, and as to
Companies E and I, are taken from other sources.
James Reilly was a sergeant in the old United States Army
and was in charge of Fort Johnson, when on 9 January, 1861,
at 4 A. M., it was taken charge of by some ardent Southerners
from Wilmington. On 7 September, 1863, he was promoted to
Major and John A. Ramsay became Captain.
On 15 June, 1863, Reilly's Battery, usually styled in the Army
Returns the "Rowan Artillery," was returned as belonging to
Henry's Battalion, for at that time and down to the close of the
war the former system of attaching a battery to each brigade
was abandoned and the artillery was- organized into battalions of
four companies each.
On July 2 Reilly's and Latham's Batteries (both from North
Carolina), of Henry's Battalion, were on the extreme right of our
line at Gettysburg and engaged the enemy and captured three
ten-pound Parrotts. One three-inch rifle gun in Reilly's Bat-
tery burst during the engagement. On the 3d the whole four
batteries were engaged in sdme position and lost four killed and
twenty-three wounded. On July 4 Henry's Battalion changed
their position but remained on the battlefield till 6 P. M., when
they joined in the retreat and marched all night. At 2 p. M.
July 5 they had reached South Mountain, and on July 6 en-
camped at Hagerstown, Md. On July 14 they recrossed the
I'otomac on the pontoon bridge at Falling Waters, on 22d of
same month crossed the Shenandoa:h, and on August 6 were
580 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
encamped near Fredericksburg. On 31 July, 1863, Henry's
Battalion had passed under the command of Major, later Lieu-
tenant-Colonel, John C. Haskell, and was known as Haskell's
Battalion till the close of the war, though in March, 1864, the
battalion was temporarily commanded by Major James Reilly.
The battalion, on 12 September, 1863, was sent, for better
subsistence, into camp near Beaver Dam Station, and spent their
time till 4 May, 1864, mostly near Cobham's Depot. The bat-
talion was then ordered to the front and the " Rowan " Battery
reported six guns as their equipment. The battalion was held
in reserve till 8 May, when it was sent forward to aid the cav-
alry. It was thenceforward more or less engaged all along in
the famous struggle from the Wilderness to the James, especially
it was actively engaged 9 May, 1 June and 3 June. On 7 June
Haskell's Battalion passed to the south side of the Chicka-
hominy and 16 June crossed the. James River on the pontoon-
bridge. In this series of battles the battalion of four batteries
lost fifteen killed and fifty-one wounded.
On 31 August, 1864, the returns show that the "Rowan"
Battery was then commanded by Lieutenant Ezekiel Myers, and
the returns of the battery 9 April, 1864, showed one hundred
and thirty-six total present, with seventy-eight serviceable horses
and one three-inch rifle cannon and three ten-pound Parrotts as
equipment.
The battery, as a part of Haskell's Battalion, and attached to
the First Corps (Longstreet), took part in the fighting around
Petersburg and in the retreat to Appomattox, where it was sur-
rendered with the army and the few survivors of its glorious
career were paroled. Lieutenant Jesse F. Woodard was in com-
mand of the battery at its surrender.
Tenth Regiment. 581
COMPANY E.
This light battery was first commanded by Captain Alexan-
der D. Moore, who was commissioned 16 May, 1861. He was
promoted Colonel Sixty-sixth Regiment 3 August, 1863, and
killed 3 June, 1864. He was succeeded as Captain by J. O.
Miller. The other officers were : First Lieutenant John C. Mc-
Ilhenny, who resigned in 1861 ; J. O. Miller, who became Cap-
tain; W. P. Rendall and Second Lieutenants R. Cutlarand H.
David. The officers were all from New Hanover county, though
the rank and file were from several counties, largely from Wake.
On 7 September, 1861, the battery was still at Raleigh, and
for want of guns was soon after sent to the North Carolina coast
instead of to Virginia. In October, 1861, it had been equipped
with six brass field-pieces and was sent with the Eighteenth and
Twenty-fifth North Carolina Regiments to South Carolina. On
November 18, 1861, it was at Coosahatchie, one hundred and ten
present for duty, and at Grahamville next day. General R. E.
Lee, at that time in command in South Carolina, stated that it
was the only light artillery in his department.
In February, 1862, General J. R. Anderson, commanding at
Wilmington, requested the return of the two regiments and
Moore's Battery. So urgent was the supposed need of their
return, that Governor Henry T. Clark, supported by a resolu-
tion of the State Convention, applied to the Confederate Gov-
ernment to that end. On 25 March, 1862, the battery was
at Wilmington and at Kinston on 21 April. On 31 August,
1863, Moore's Battery, then unattached, was around Richmond.
On 9 April, 1864, it reported ninety-two present ready for duty,
with twenty-four serviceable horses and four ten-pound Parrott
guns.
It was, as Miller's Battery, one of the four batteries constitut-
ing Mosely's Battalion May 5 to 15, 1864, and was under Major-
General Whiting in his defense of Petersburg. It took part in
repelling Butler at Drewry's Bluff and Bermuda Hundreds.
On 10 June the battalion was a part of Bushrod Johnson's Di-
582 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
vision, and was sharply engaged 16, 17 and 18 June, and served
its full share in the long and arduous defense of Petersburg.
On 30 June, 1 864, the battery reported one hundred and forty
present for duty and four guns.
Major Mosely was killed 16 December, 1864, and Major Blount
suceeded to command of the battalion. The battery followed
the fortunes of the army to Appomattox, where the- whole bat-
talion of four companies numbered only twenty-four when
paroled as a part of the Third Corps, to which it had so long
been attached.
COMPANY i.
This was a New Hanover company, all the officers and nearly
all the men being from that county. Thomas J. Southerland
was Captain ; Thomas C. Moore and Thomas J. Ivey, First
Lieutenants; William W. Freeman and C. C. Redd, Second
Lieutenants.
It was a battery of horse artillery. It was stationed near
Wilmington the entire period of service until after the fall of
that city.
On September 1, 1864, a section of the battery was atMason-
boro Sound, but was ordered back to Sugar Loaf 16 December,
1864. Under General W. W. Kirkland, it took part in repul-
sing the attempted landing of the troops from the enemy's fleet
near Sugar Loaf 25 December, 1864, and had one man wounded.
Lieutenant-Colonel Eead, Chief of Artillery was wounded, and
Captain Southerland succeeded him in that capacity.
The battery followed the army on the retreat from Wilming-
ton, and was probably at the battle of Bentonville. It reported
seventy present for duty 27 April, 1865.
ELEVENTH REGIMENT.
1. CollettLeventhorpc, Colonel. 3. F. W. Bird, Lieut.-Colouel.
2. W. J. Martin, Colonel. 4. Egbert A, Koss, Major.
5. E. R. Outlaw, Captain, Co. C.
ELEVENTH REGIMENT.
COLONEL W. J. MARTIN and
CAPTAIN E. R. OUTLAW, Co, C.
The Eleventh North Carolina Regiment was the successor of
the First North Carolina Volunteers, the Bethel Regiment. This
latter was mustered intoservice for six months and upon its dis-
bandment was reorganized for the war as the Eleventh Regi-
ment North Carolina Troops, which was composed in considerable
degree of the material of the Bethel Regiment.
The reorganization took place at Camp Mangum, near Raleigh,
March 31, 1862, by the election of C. Leventhorpe, Colonel;
W. A. Owens, Lieutenant-Colonel, and W. A. Eliason, Major.
Major Eliason was at the same time elected to the Lieutenant-
Colonelcy of the Forty-ninth, and accepted it, and Captain W". J.
Martin, of the Twenty-eighth, was elected Major in his stead,
and was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel May 6th, when Lieu-
tenant-Colonel "Owens was elected Colonel of the Fifty-third.
At the same time. May 6th, Captain E. A. Ross, of Company
A, was promoted to the Majority.
The regiment, therefore, went into service early in May, among
the troops for the defense of Wilmington, with the following
organization :
Colonel, Collett Leventhorpe; Lieutenant-Colonel, W. J. Mar-
tin; Major, Egbert A. Ross; Surgeon, John Wilson; Assistant
Surgeon, J. Parks McCombs; Assistant Quartermaster, John N.
Tate; Assistant Commissary of. Subsistence, Pat. J. Lowrie;
Adjutant, H. C. Lucas; .Chaplain, A. S. Smith.
Company A — Captain, William L. Hand, of Mecklenburg
county; First Lieutenant, Charles W. Alexander; Second Lieu-
584 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
tenants, Robert H. Hand, William B. Taylor; Sergeant E. B.
Alexander was promoted to Second Lieutenant to fill a vacancy.
Company B — Captain, M. B. Armfield, of Burke county;
First '.^Lieutenant, Thomas Parks; Second Lieutenants, E. W.
Dorsey, P. A. Warlick. Captain Armfield was wounded and
taken prisoner at Gettysburg and died at Johnson's Island;
First Lieutenant Thomas Parks was promoted to Captain, Sec-
ond Lieutenant E. W. Dorsey was promoted to First Lieutenant
and Lieutenant P. A. Warlick and private J. L. Warlick were
promoted to Second Lieutenants.
Company C — Captain, Francis W. Bird, of Bertie county;
First Lieutenant, Thomas W. Cooper; Second Lieutenants, Ed-
ward R. Outlaw, Edward A. Rhodes. Captain Francis W. Bird
was promoted to Major July 1, 1863; First Lieutenant Thomas
W. Cooper was killed at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863, aud Second
Lieutenant Edward R. Outlaw was promoted to Captain. Ed-
ward A. Rhodes was also killed at Gettysburg, and Corporal
William H. Todd was promoted to First Lieutenant and Dun-
can C. Winston was promoted to Second Lieutenant. Lieutenant
William H. Todd was killed near Petersburg, April 2, 1865.
Company D — Captain, Calvin S. Brown, of Burke county;
First Lieutenant, William J. Kincaid; Second Lieutenants, Louis
Elias, J. M. Tate. Captain Calvin S. Brown resigned in 1864
and First Lieutenant William J. Kincaid was promoted to Cap-
tain, Second Lieutenant Louis Elias was promoted to First Lieu-
tenant; Second Lieutenant J. M. Tate being promoted to other
service. Sergeants O. J. Britton and George W. Kincaid were
promoted to Second Lieutenants; the latter was killed at Gettys-
burg and private James G. McCorkle was promoted to Second
Lieutenant.
Company E — Captain, John S. A. Nichols, of Mecklenburg
county; First Lieutenant, W. J. Kerr; Second Lieutenants, John
B. Clanton, W. N. S. Means. Captain John S. A. Nichols died
in July, 1862; First Lieutenant W. J. Kerr was promoted
to Captain and Second Lieutenant John B. Clanton was promoted
to First Lieutenant. Second Lieutenant W. N. S. Means was
Eleventh Regiment. 585
killed at White Hall, N. C, December 16, 1862, and W. F.
Rozell, W. S. Turner and James F. Alexander were promoted
to Second Lieutenants.
Company F — Captain, Edward A. Small, of Chowan county;
First Lieutenant, T. Judson Knapp; Second Lieutenants, Stephen
W. Roberts, B. B. Haskins. First Lieutenant T. Judson Knapp
was promoted to Chaplain and Second Lieutenant Stephen W.
Roberts was promoted to First Lieutenant and Sergeant W. D.
Rae was promoted to Second Lieutenant.
Company G — Captain, James A. Jennings, of Orange coanty;
First Lieutenant, John F. Freeland; Second Lieutenants, Dun-
can C. Waddell, John H. McDade. Captain James A. Jennings
died of yellow fever in 1862 and First Lieutenant John F. Free-
land was promoted to Captain; Second Lieutenant Duncan C,
Waddell was promoted to First Lieutenant, and Second Lieuten-
ant John H. McDade being killed at Gettysburg, Thomas J.
Norwood was promoted to Second Lieutenant but resigned;
Nathaniel B. Jennings was promoted to Second Lieutenant and
was killed at Gettysburg and James R. Whitaker and James
W. Williams were promoted to Second Lieutenants.
Company H — Captain, W. L. Grier, of Mecklenburg county;
First Lieutenant, P. J. Lowrie; Second Lieutenants, C. B. Boyce,
J. B. Lowrie. First Lieutenant P. J. Lowrie died in 1862;
Second Lieutenant J. B. Lowrie was killed at Gettysburg and
James M. Savile, John M. Knox and R. B. Lowrie were pro-
moted to Second Lieutenants.
Company I — Captain, A. Sydney Haynes, of Lincoln county;
First Lieiiteuant, David A. Coon; Second Lieutenants, Oliver
A. Ramseur, Lemuel J. Hoyle. Sergeant Sydney M. Finger,
of Company I, was promoted to Acting Assistant Quartermaster
and was promoted to Major in the Quartermaster's Department in
1864.
Company K — Captain, James M. Young, of Buncombe
county; First Lieutenant, Robert L. Coleman; Second Lieuten-
ants, John A. Burgin, John W. Burgin. First Lieutenant Robert
L. Coleman being promoted to Captain and Assistant Commis-
586 North Carolina Troops, 1861-00.
sary in the Sixtieth Eegiment and Second Lieutenants John
A. Burgin and John W. Burgin having been killed at Gettys-
burg, Sergeant William T. Dickerson was promoted to First
Lieutenant and privates Samuel M. Young and B. F. Boyd were
promoted to Second Lieutenants.
Colonel Collett Leventhorpe was born in England, of good
English stock, and served for several years in the British army,
attaining the rank of captain. He resigned his commission in
that army, studied medicine and came to America and settled in
Western North Carolina. When the civil war between the States
began he promptly took up arms in behalf of the people with
whom he had cast his lot, and was probably the best finished
and equipped regimental field officer in the Confederate service.
Taking command of the Eleventh Regiment, he at once brought
to its discipline and training the experience of his English army
life. So thoroughly did he discipline and train his regiment,
that when it was inspected and incorporated into the Army of
Northern Virginia the Inspector-General of that army reported
to General Lee that the Eleventh Regiment of North Carolina
Troops was the best drilled, the best equipped and the best armed
regiment in the Array of Northern Virginia. The regiment had
been stationed at Camp Davis, near Wilmington, N. C, where
for three months it had undergone the severest drilling that any
troops ever underwent in all America. With reveille at day-
break, company drill at 6 A. m., guard-mounting at 8 A. M.,
squad drill at 9 A. M., battalion drill at 11 a. m., company drill
again at 1 p. m., battalion drill again at 3 P. M. and dress-parade
at 5 P. M., the regiment soon became so complete a machine that
its evolutions were as accurate as clock-work and obtained from
its Colonel the compliment (as he one day dismissed the battalion):
"Not quite as proficient as British regulars."
The first day at Camp Mangum that Colonel Leventhorpe
went with the regiment on dress-parade, and after the Adjutant
had saluted the Colonel and informed him that the regiment was
ready for his commands, the Colonel drew his sword, and "The
Eleventh ! " came in the most powerful voice we had ever heard
Eleventh Regiment. 587
from human lips. A loud laugh from the men greeted that po-
tent voice, but that laugh was never heard again. Soon every
officer and man knew that he had met his friend when in distress
and commander on duty. . Love and respect took the place of
indiflPerence, and from then until now none of his soldiers have
named him but with love and honor.
Lieutenant-Colonel William J. Martin was born in Virginia,
and at the commencement of the war was Professor of Miner-
alogy at the University of North Carolina, and ably assisted the
Colonel to perfect and fit the Eleventh Regiment for camp-life
and battle.
Major Egbert A. Ross was but an untried boy, who was soon
to give up his life in battle a sacrifice to his country.
To Surgeon John Wilson too much praise cannot be given for
his untiring energy and work and kindness for the comfort and
welfare of his patients.
FRANKLIN, VA.
We served around Wilmington and at various points on the
coast until the 1st of October, when we were ordered to Frank-
lin, Va., and took a prominent part in the defense of the Black-
water, engaging in numerous skirmishes with the enemy oper-
ating from Suffolk. The line to be guarded was so long, and
the troops to guard it so few, that forced marches were of con-
stant occurrence, and the term foot- cavalry, facetiously applied
to us, aptly described our role.
WHITE HALL.
On December 12, 1862, we were ordered to Kinston, N. C,
. but before we reached it the enemy had taken the town and sent
a force up the south side of the Neuse to cross at White Hall
and take the Confederate troops in the rear. We, with portions
of three other regiments and a section of artillery, all under
Brigadier-General Robertson, were hurried up to White Hall
bridge, and arrived in time to burn it before the enemy could
cross. Here the regiment had its first real baptism of fire.
588 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Posted along the river bank, from which another regiment had
just been driven, it was pounded for several hours at short
range by a terrific storm of grape and canister as well as by
musketry, but it never flinched, and gained a reputation for
endurance and courage which it proudly maintained to the fateful
end at Appomattox. The enemy finally desisted from the effort
to force a passage and drew off toward Goldsboro.
After the battle of White Hall the Eleventh became a part of
the brigade of General Pettigrew, and continued under his com-
mand until his death. The next three months were spent at
Goldsboro, Weldon, Magnolia and Greenville.
blount's creek bridge.
From Greenville the regiment took part in the expedition of
General D. H. Hill against Washington, N. C, and on the 9th of
April, 1863, at Blount's Creek Bridge, with the aid of a battery,
it successfully resisted the attempt of General Foster to re-inforce
the garrison of Washington by that route, driving back, after a
spirited fight of several hours. General Spinola's command, con-
sisting of three brigades, besides artillery and cavalry. Our
position was a very strong one naturally; we were well in-
trenched, and there were other troops in reserve; still it remains
that Spinola's giving up the crossing of the creek as hopeless and
his return to New Bern after so brief a contest was pusillanimous,
and he deserved the censure he got from his superiors in com-
mand. Towards the end of the month we marched by way of
Hookerton to Kinston to meet a demonstration made by General
Foster, apparently to distract attention from the projected move-
ments in Virginia and to keep as many Confederates as possible
away from the real seat of war.
In the beginning of May we were hurried to Richmond to
meet Stoneman's raid and to protect the railroad and the bridges
over the North and South Anna Rivers. From there we went to
Hanover Junction, and thence to Fredericksburg (Hamilton's
Crossing) early in June. There the brigade was assigned
to Heth's Division, A. P. Hill's (Third) Corps, Array of
Eleventh Eegiment. 589
Northern Virginia, in which relation we continued to the end
of the war. When the army tooii up the line of march which
ended at Gettysburg, Pettigrew's Brigade formed part of it (ex-
cept the Forty-fourth, Colonel Singeltary, which had been left
to guard Hanover Junction) and took a very prominent part in
the bloody three days' fight.
GETTYSBURG.
Heth's Division arrived at Cashtown, nine miles from Gettys-
burg, June 29, 1863, being in advance of the corps. On the 30th
Pettigrew, with his brigade, was sent to Gettysburg for supplies,
but finding a large force of cavalry and infantry there, he was
unwilling to hazard an attack with a single brigade, and returned
without attempting to enter the town. The next day, July 1,
Ewell's and Hill's Corps advanced upon Gettysburg by different
roads, and Heth's Division being in the advance of Hill's Corps,
was the first to strike the enemy, whose strength was then
unknown. Upon engaging him he was found to occupy in
large force and strongly posted a position west of the town. A
line of battle, consisting of the divisions of Heth and Pender,
with two of Ewell's divisionSj was formed for attack, one di-
vision of each corps being held in reserve, and drove the Fed-
erals through Gettysburg, with very heavy loss, to the range
of hills south and east of the town. In this engagement Pet-
tigrew's Brigade occupied the center of Heth's line, and en-
countered the enemy in heavy force, breaking through his first,
second and third lines. "The Eleventh North Carolina, Colonel
Leventhorpe commanding, and the Twenty-sixth North Caro-
lina, Colonel Burgwyn commanding," says General Heth in his
official report, "displayed conspicuous gallantry, of which I was
an eye-witness, and the whole brigade fought as well and dis-
played as heroic courage as it was ever my fortune to witness
on a battlefield." In this attack Colonel Leventhorpe was
wounded and subsequently made a prisoner, and Major Ross was
killed. The total loss in this day's fight we do not find recorded,
but in the battles of the first and third days (it was held in re-
590 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
serve the second day) the regiment lost fifty killed and one hun-
dred and fifty-nine wounded, and in the fatal charge of the third
day on Cemetery Hill many were taken prisoners.
In the third day's fight Heth's Division, commanded by Pet-
tigrew, whose brigade was commanded by Colonel Marshall, of
the Fifty-second, and Pickett's Division, of Longstreet's Corps,
a fresh division not previously engaged, bore the brunt of the
attack on Cemetery Hill, and in a perfect hail-storm of mus-
ketry, grape and canister, which made it a slaughter-pen, suc-
ceeded in penetrating the Federal line, only to be promptly
repulsed, leaving a large number of wounded and unwounded
prisoners in the enemy's hands. At the close of this battle the
regiment found itself reduced to a mere handful. Major Jones,
of the Twenty-sixth, was the only field officer left in the brigade,
and most of the company officers were either killed, wounded or
captured. The companies of the regiment generally came out with
a single officer, and several of them with none at all. Company
A had crossed the Potomac with a hundred men, and came out of
the charge on Cemetery Hill with a lieutenant and eight men.
Company C went into that day's battl* with three officers and thir-
ty-four men and lost two officer^ killed and thirty men killed or
wounded, probably a greater loss than any company has had in any
battle since the recorded losses of companies and regiments have
been kept since Thermopylae. In the third day's battle the entire
new color-guard of eight men being killed or wounded. Captain
Bird, commanding Company C and the color-guard, took the flag
when the last guard fell with it, and carried it on until the charge
was a failure and the line retired, bringing off the flag and stub
of the' staff which had been twice shot off in his hands. It was
the only flag brought back from that sanguinary hill. Lieuten-
ants T. W. Cooper and E. A. Rhodes, of Company C, were both
killed. It was the color company, and the flag that it bore was
a target for the guns and rifles of the enemy.
The losses in the other companies were equally severe. Owing
to the number of officers captured in the Gettysburg battles and
not exchanged, many of the vacancies could not be filled, and
Eleventh Regiment. 591
this defective organization continued to mar the efficiency of |he
regiment to the end of the war. Colonel Leventhorpe did not
return to the command, and for some time Lieutenant-Colonel
Martin w,as the only field officer. He became, upon the exchange
of Colonel Leventhorpe and his promotion to be Brigadier-Gen-
eral of the North Carolina Reserves, Colonel of the regiment,
and Captain Bird, of Company C, its Major. On the death of
Captain Arrafield at Johnson's Island, who was entitled by seni-
ority to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy, Major Bird became Lieutenant-
Colonel. The ranking captains were prisoners, and so we could
not have a Major, and when Colonel Bird was killed at Reams'
Station, Colonel Martin, for the second time, became the only
field officer in the regiment, and so continued to the end of the
war. In a similar way most of the companies were crippled in
the matter of officers. In spite of this great hindrance, the
career of the regiment continued to be in every way worthy of
its glorious past, a fact which is infinitely to the credit of the
private soldiers and their non-commissioned officers.
FALLING WATEES.
Pettigrew's Brigade was the rear-guard when the Potomac was
recrossed at Falling Waters on the 14th, and about 11 o'clock
— the men being mostly asleep from exhaustion — a small body
of cavalry, a squadron of the Sixth Michigan, made its appear-
ance, and being mistaken for our own cavalry, was allowed to ap-
proach within one hundred and seventy-five yards unmolested.
They madly charged our lines, and were annihilated; but in the
melee General Pettigrew was mortally wounded by a ball from
the pistol of the Major in command. Subsequently a heavy
force of the enemy came up, and as the crossing of the bridge
had to be done fighting, some loss was sustained, including a
few captured, doubtless because they w§re too much exhausted to
keep up. As the brigade crossed, about 12 o'clock, the pontoon-
bridge was cut loose, and for the first time for many days the
command drew a free breath. Next day the brigade marched to
Bunker Hill in command of Major Jones, where the army en-
592 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
camped for several days to recuperate. There Lieutenant-
Colonel Martin, who had been sent back to the hospital after the
brigade left Fredericksburg, rejoined his regiment and took com-
mand of the brigade, being in turn relieved by Colonel Singel-
tary, of the Forty-fourth, when that regiment rejoined us.
The army gradually moved southward, and by the 4th of Au-
gust we occupied the line of the Rapidan, our brigade being sta-
tioned successively at Orange Court House, Culpeper Court
House and Rapidan Station. At this time, September 7, (jen-
eral W. W. Kirkland was assigned to the command of the bri-
gade, a command which he actually exercised for a very few
months. During the period of his connection with us, about
nine months, he was wounded twice, and off duty in consequence;
so that, for a large part of the time, between the death of Gen-
eral Pettigrew and the assignment of General MacRae, the bri-
gade was commanded by Colonel Singeltary, the ranking officer.
BRISTOE STATION.
On the 10th of October General Lee again took the offensive
and started a movement towards the right flank of Meade's
army; but Meade declined battle and withdrew across the Rap-
pahannock, whereupon a race towards Washington ensued, Lee
endeavoring to get around Meade's flank and intercept his re-
treat. Our corps, with Heth's Division in front, crossed the
Rappahannock near Warrenton Springs on the 1 3th and camped
within a mile of Warrenton. Early the next morning we re-
sumed the pursuit, Anderson's Division in front, passing the
enemy's camp-fires and debris of breakfast, evidently left in
haste. At Greenwich Heth took the lead and followed close
upon the rear of the Third Federal Corps, picking up a number
of stragglers. We overtook the enemy early in the afternoon at
Bristoe Station, a part moving off towards Manassas and a part
resting in the plain.
In his eagerness to prevent the Third Corps from escaping
him. General Hill failed to discover that the Second was there
also, strongly posted behind the railroad embankment, and in
ELEVENTH REGIMENT.
1. Thomas W. Cooper, 1st Lieut., Co. C. 4. W. H. Todd, 1st Lient., Co. C.
2. W. L. Hand, Captain, Co. A. S. L. J. Hoyle, 2d Lieut., Co. L
3. W. J. Kincaid, Captain, Co. D. 6. Edward A. Kliodes, 8d Lieut., Co. C.
7. Vr. B. Taylor, 2d Lieut., Co. A.
Eleventh Kegiment. 593
rifle-pits behind on the hill. He directed Heth to attacij, and
Kirkland's and Cooke's Brigades were formed on the crest of the
hills, parallel to Broad Run and the railroad. Cooke was on the
right of the road and Kirkland on the left, the Eleventh being
the extreme left of the line. As soon as we advanced the pres-
ence of the Second Corps became evident, and from their shelter
behind the railroad embankment they poured in a deadly fusil-
lade, while the Federal batteries, well posted, swept the field.
Cooke was more opposed than Kirkland and suffered more, and
his regiments were driven back. Kirkland pushed on, and the
left of his line, the Eleventh, and part of the regiment on its
right, the Fifty-second, we think, succeeded in reaching the rail-
road and dislodging the enemy, themselves sheltered behind it.
General Kirkland had been wounded in this charge, and Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Martin, the ranking officer of the force at the
embankment, finding, after a painful suspense, both flanks ex-
posed, and that the enemy had posted a battery on the railroad
to his left to enfilade his line, and no re-inforoements appearing,
reluctantly ordered a retreat, which was made under a galling fire
from behind. A number of the men shrank from crossing the open
field and were captured at the railroad. Lieutenant-Colonel Mar-
tin was twice shot down and severely wounded in this retreat, and
the command of the regiment passed to Captain Grier, the rank-
ing officer present. The loss of the regiment in this ill-judged
attack was four killed and eleven wounded, with an unknown
number captured. Had the strength of the enemy been recog-
nized and an adequate force put in, what proved a disaster might
have been a victory, and General Meade might even have been
brought to bay in the open field. As it was, he quietly with-
drew in the night and safely established himself in his intrencb-
ments at Manassas. The loss of the brigade. ifl this battle was
two hundred and seventy killed and wounded, and that of
Cooke's Brigade four hundred and eighty-nine. Lee's army
now retraced its steps, tearing up the O. & A. Railroad to the
Rappahannock, which, however, the enemy promptly repaired.
Here the line was established for awhile, but later we returned
to the line of the Rapidan.
38
594 North Carolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
MINE RUN.
Nothing of consequence occurred until during the last days of
November. General Meade moved down towards the lower
fords of the E-apidan, and General Lee, on the 27th, moved
down correspondingly, Hill's Corps by the plank-road, Colonel
Singeltary commanding our brigade. The Federals crossed at
Germania and Ely's Fords and turned up the river. They
were in full force, and a general battle was expected. Our line
of battle was formed first east of Mine Run, and then, as a bet-
ter position in which to receive an attack, on the west of it, and
slight earth-works were thrown up. There was constant skir-
mishing, but no general attack was made, and General Lee de-
termined to assume the offensive. Before day on the morning
of December 2d the troops were formed for the attack, but at
daylight it was found that the enemy had retired at night. Pur-
suit was made, but they re-crossed the Rapidan before we could
overtake them. We returned to our camp near Orange Court
House and spent the remainder of the winter there.
THE WILDERNESS.
On May 4, 1864, the Federal army, this time with General
Grant in command, again crossed the Rapidan at the same
fords, with Richmond as Grant's avowed objective point and
with the intention "to fight General Lee between Culpeper and
Richmond, if he would stand." General Lee did stand, moving
out Ewell's Corps on the turnpike and Hill's (only Heth's and
Wilcox's Divisions) on the plank-road and ordering up from
Gordonsville Longstreet's Corps and Anderson's Division. A
pitched battle was fought in the Wilderness on the 5th, 6th and
7th, resulting in Grant's complete failure to carry our position
and in his withdrawal towards Spottsylvania Court House, the
beginning of his famous " flank movements." The Federal
attack of May 5th was concentrated on Heth's and Wilcox's
line. Kirkland's Brigade, with the rest of the corps, was ac-
tively engaged all through the day in repelling assault after
Eleventh Eegiment. 595
assault of Sedgwick's Corps and in counter-charges, until night
closed the contest, with the enemy baffled at every point. In
one of these charges our brigade formed part of a second line of
battle, Cooke's Brigade, commanded by Colonel MacRae, after-
wards our Brigadier-General, being on the first line. In ad-
vancing we came upon MacRae's line lying down, and as we
charged over him with a yell, he sneered sardonically: "Go
ahead; you'll soon come back." And sure enough we did. We
struck, as he had done, the Federal line behind intrenchments,
from which in vain we tried to dislodge it, and recoiled, lying
down in turn behind MacRae's line. I fancy he smiled sardoni-
cally then.
The worn-out troops of Hill's Corps were ordered to rest on
their arms as night found them, without reformation of lines, as
they were to be relieved at midnight by Longstreet's Corps.
This was a miscalculation and a well-nigh fatal mistake, for
about day-break of the 6th, when it was found that Longstreet
had not come up, our men commenced to form line of battle,
but before it was completed a furious attack was made on our
left flank and the unformed line was rolled up as a sheet of pa-
per would be rolled without the power of effective resistance.
If even a single brigade had changed front to the left before the
enemy struck their flank they might have stemmed the tide and
have stopped the rout ; but no brigadier seems to have thought
of it, and the situation was desperate. All the advantage of
yesterday's hard fighting was about lo be lost, when the head of
Longstreet's column came up, and the leading brigade was formed
under fire and thrown upon the victorious Federals. Here is
said to have occurred the thrilling incident of General Lee's
ofi^ering to head this brigade in person and their refusing to ad-
vance unless he would remain behind. Other of Longstreet's
brigades were put in as fast as they came up, and in a short time
all of the lost ground was regained from the enemy, and in turn
his left flank attacked, a heavy loss being inflicted upon him. Our
brigade was not hotly engaged the balance of this day, and no
very serious fighting was done by any part of the opposing
596 North Caeolina Teoops, 1861-65.
armies the next day. On the 8th we started for Spottsylvania,
to put ourselves in Grant's front and intercept his march to-
wards Richmond. At one time, during the fighting on the 5th,
our regiment lay down behind a line of dead Federals so thick
as to form a partial breastwork, showing how stubbornly they
had fought and how severely they had suffered. It was a novel
experience and seems ghastly enough in the retrospect.
SPOTTSYLVANIA.
There was more or less fighting along the lines during the 8th
and 9th of May, in which our brigade took no part. On the
10th Heth's Division was sent to General Early, on the extreme
Confederate left, and attacked Barlow's Division of Hancock's
Corps, which had crossed to the south side of the Potomac,
menacing Lee's left flank, and drove it back to the north side.
Hancock had his artillery strung along on the hills north of the
Potomac so as to protect the crossing of his men and to prevent
our crossing after them. We could not, therefore, follow up the
advantage gained. During this fight the woods in rear of the
Federals took fire and they had to retreat and we to advance
through the burning forest. It was a hot time, literally, and
many of the Federal dead and wounded were consumed. Heth's
Division took no active part in the severe fightjng of the next
two days, but was moved about from point to point, as our lines
were threatened by the enemy's repeated assaults. It was thus
hurried in hot haste to the salient lost after desperate fighting on
the 12th by Johnson's Division; but Hancock's men, pouring
through the gap, had already been driven back by ol;her troops
and the line re-established when we got there. After several
days' maneuvering and skirmishibg without serious fighting,
Grant gave it up, and began his next flank movement on
the 20th.
SPOTTSYLVANIA TO PETERSBURG.
Continuing his policy of turning our flank and interposing
himself between us and Richmond, in which policy he was con-
Eleventh Regiment. 597
tinually foiled by finding General Lee in front of him at every
move, General Grant transferred his army to the North Anna,
and then to the Chickahominy, whence, despairing of reaching
Richmond by the north side, he crossed the James, intending to
take Petersburg. In the course of these movements, lasting
from 20th May to 14th June, many engagements of minor, and
some of great importance, took place on the line of the North
Anna, Pamunkey and Totapotamoie Rivers and around Cold
Harbor and the Chickahominy. Our brigade took part in a
number of them, marching and counter- marching and doing
some very hard fighting, but the details we find ourselves unable to
record in their order satisfactorily. In one of these fights Gen-
eral Kirkland was wounded and did not again rejoin the brigade.
Colonel William MacRae, of the Fifteenth North Carolina, was
promoted June 27th and assigned to the command of our brigade, in
which command he continued until the surrender at Appomattox.
He was a strict disciplinarian, as was Pettigrew, and which General
Kirkland was not, and he rapidly brought the brigade to a high
degree of efficiency. General Kirkland was subsequently as-
signed to a brigade in Hoke's Division.
AROUND PETEESBUKG.
General Grant commenced transferring his army across the
James 14th June and, in conjunction with the troops already on
the south side, attempted to surprise and capture Petersburg be-
fore Lee's forces could get there, and he very nearly succeeded.
But after some pretty stubborn fighting he was again foiled, and
both armies proceeded to intrench themselves in a line reaching
from the James to the Appomattox and around Petersburg
nearly to the Weldon Railroad, and what was practically a siege
of the city began, to last until its fall in April, 1865. In some
places these lines ultimately came so close together that no pick-
ets could be thrown out, and picket duty was performed by
sharp-shooters in the trenches, who made it hazardous for any
one on either side to expose any part of his person. Mortar
shelling was also added to the ordinary artillery fire, rendering
598 NoETH Carolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
bomb-proofs a necessity, and they were accordingly built all
along our lines. In spite of this dangerous proximity and the
well-nigh ceaseless firing kept up during the night, our men
learned to sleep as soundly and as peacefully in these trenches
as they were accustomed to do in camp. One can get used to
anything.
After we got into the defenses of Petersburg we continued
there to the end, except one hurried march to the north of the
James (July 27th), when Grant sent Hancock's Corps and a large
body of cavalry to destroy the railroads north of Richmond.
General Lee supposing this to be an attempt upon Richmond itself,
started a good many troops northward from Petersburg, our
brigade among the number. General Grant quickly took ad-
vantage of this depletion to spring a mine (July 30th), which he
had prepared under a salient in our lines in front of Petersburg,
and to follow this with an assaulting column, which was to break
through in the confusion and capture the city. In this he would
probably have succeeded but fop the bungling way in which the
assault was managed. As it was, the mine proved a slaughter-
pen for the assailants. Some indecisive fighting was done on the
north side, and then, when Grant's real object was uncovered and
frustrated, the troops of both armies returned to Petersburg.
Except this assault, no other was seriously attempted against
the intrenched lines immediately around Petersburg until the
end, and the active operations of the ensuing nine months con-
sisted of repeated efforts on Grant's part to extend his line to the
left and get possession of the railroads, and on Lee's part to
prevent it and to punish him for attempting it. Inch by inch
Grant did gain ground until he planted himself across the Wel-
don Railroad, which he also several times cut south of us, chiefly
by cavalry raids. In these operations, Hill's Corps being on.
the right of our line, MacRae's Brigade was frequently called to
take a part, alternating these field operations with service in the
trenches, so that we were almost continuously under fire. We will
mention only the principal actions, as far as we can remember
them, in which the Eleventh was engaged.
Eleventh Regiment. 599
"Warren's (Fifth Corps) took possession of tlie Weldon Rail-
Dad on the 18th of August, and attempts to dislodge him brought
n anumber of sanguinary engagements with A. P. Hill's Corps,
a one of which (19th) Hill captured two thousand and seven
lundred prisoners. Our brigade was not in this battle. A com-
lined attaci< on Warren's fortifications on the railroad was made
m the morning of the 21st by our brigade aid General Ran-
om's, with a force of artillery, making a demonstration down
he railroad in his front, while the real attack was to be made
)y a larger force under General Mahone on his left flank. It
lid not succeed. We lay between our batteries (thirty pieces)
ind theirs during the artillery duel which opened the ball, and
lame in for some pretty severe shelling. We then charged,
Iriving in their pickets and advanced line, and lay down under
!Over of a ravine quite close up to their works, awaiting the
lignal of Mahone's success to rush in. Mahone's attack failed,
md we lay low till night enabled us to withdraw under cover of
larkness. We lost some men killed and a number wounded,
md if Warren had known how few we were in his front, and had
lent out an adequate force, he might have captured the most of
;hese two brigades, isolated as we were.
On the afternoon of the 25th our brigade and Cooke's, with
Lane's, attacked Hancock's Corps well intrenched at Reams'
Station, a previous charge by other troops having been repulsed.
We carried their works handsomely, capturing two thousand
jrisoners and nine pieces of artillery. Hancock retired during
;he night and we returned to Petersburg. Our loss was consid-
irable, including Lieutenant-Colonel Bird, killed, after which,
;o the close of the war, the regiment had but one field officer.
The ranking captains entitled to the positions of Lieutenaut-
Holonel and Major were prisoners at Johnson's Island. This
aw of succession by seniority, customary and perhaps the best
inder ordinary circumstances, worked very great injury to many
■egiments situated as ours was. As has been mentioned, the
Eleventh most of the time after Gettysburg had but one field offi-
ser, and from September 30, 1864, to the fall of Petersburg, during
600 North Caeolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
which time Colonel Martin was off duty from a desperate wound,
it had none at all. That it maintained its efficiency under such
adverse circumstances, speaks volumes for the morale of its men
and for the training which it had iu the earlier part of the war.
On 30th September a movement was made by the Fifth and
Ninth Corps (Warren's and Parke's), of two divisions each, to
turn our right and incidentally to prevent troops being sent from
our army to the north side of the James, where Grant was pro-
jecting important operations. This was met by a counter move-
ment of Heth's Division to the right, and in the afternoon he
attacked Parke near the Pegram house and forced him back a
considerable distance, until night put a stop to the fighting.
During the course of this advance a considerable body of troops
appeared on our right and bore down on our flank, occupied by
MacRae's Brigade. The situation was critical. There was no time
to ask for orders, and without orders Colonel Martin at once caused
his own regiment and the one next to it, the Fifty-second, proba-
bly, occupying the extreme right of our line, which was already
being thrown into disorder, to change front to the right and
charge the Federal flanking party. They were completely routed
and four hundred prisoners captured, more prisoners than we had
men in the two regiments. We then returned to the brigade, and
Colonel Martin was in the act, about dark, of reforming the line,
when he was struck with a shell which carried away a. large slice of
his left thigh. He was with difficulty carried off the field in a blan-
ket, and neither he nor the surgeons of the field hospital expected
that he would recover; but he did after so long a time, and re-
joiued the regiment the night before the lines were broken at
Petersburg, the wound still not completely healed. In conse-
quence of this protracted absence he hasino personal knowledge
of the operations in which the regiment was engaged from Octo-
ber 1, 1864,> April 2, 1865.
On the "1st and 2d of October the movement above referred
to, of the enemy against our right, was kept up, and the brigade
was more or less seriously engaged over several miles of territory
outside our lines. As the result of the movement the Federal
intrenchments were considerably extended on their left.
ELEVENTH REGIMENT.
1. Clingman Craig, 1st Sergeant, Co. C.
3. B. P. Carter, Sergeant, Co. C.
3. John G. Floyd, Sergeant, Co. C.
4. J. M. Earnheardt, Sergeant, Co. A.
5. Francia Gillam, Sergeant, Go. C.
6. J. M. Sims, Sergeant, Co. A.
7. James E. Mitchell, Private, Co. C.
8. Joseph I-I. King, Private, Co. C.
Eleventh Regiment. 601
On 27th October another movement to the left, with the
Southside Railroad as the objective point, was made by the Army
of the Potomac, with the whole or the most of the Second,
Fifth and Ninth Corps. The Fifth and Ninth found our works
in their front so strong that they did not seriously attempt to
carry them; but Hancock, to the left of the Fifth and Ninth,
attacked our right impetuously, yet without success. He was
then in turn attacked by Hill, and a hotly contested but inde-
cisive battle was fought in the open field at Burgess' Mill. In
the night the Federals returned to their original lines and we after-
wards returned to ours. From then until the close of the year
the Eleventh was continuously on duty and daily (and nightly,
too) under fire, but in no important engagement.
Both armies remained quiet during January, 1865, but with
February Grant resumed the anaconda process of enveloping Pe-
tersburg, preparatory to swallowing it and Lee's army. On
5th February the Second and Fifth Corps, with a division of
cavalry, moved out to Hatcher's Run, and in the afternoon
parts of the Sixth and Ninth Corps were ordered up to re-inforce
them. This movement was resisted by Hill's Corps and parts
of Longstreet's, Heth's Division attacking Humphrey's (Second
Corps), and subsequently the whole corps participating. Noth-
ing was accomplished. Fighting was resumed on the 6th and 7th,
and Hill gained some advantage in the afternoon of the 6th by
■defeating, with heavy loss, Warren's Fifth Corps. But they
brought up fresh troops, and our victory was a barren one, the
Federals finally holding Hatcher's Run.
Another lull now followed until 25th March, when General
Lee, with Gordon's Division, made an assault on Fort Steadman
(Hare's Hill), on the Federal right, and carried it handsomely,
with capture of prisoners and guns. But our army was now so
attenuated that we could not hold any ground we gained or follow
up any victory, while the Federals could pour in fresh troops to
retrieve their disasters ; so the fort was soon retaken, and Grant
made a counter demonstration along his lines. There was some
severe fighting on our right, in which MacRae's Brigade was en-
gaged. Nothing was accomplished on either side.
602 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Meanwhile Grant had been preparing his army for a final ooup
de main, withdrawing troops from the north side of the James
and from the intreuchraents on the right of his line at Peters-
burg, concentrating them in the rear of his left near Hatcher's
Run. His programme was to bear down on our right with
crushing force and, in case Lee re-inforced his right with troops
from the trenches at Petersburg, to assault the weakened lines at
any practicable point and carry them. The plan was a complete
success. Lee did carry every available soldier to the right, and
some heavy fighting, with varying fortune, was done there, be-
ginning March 29th and culminating in the battle of Five Forks,.
April 1st, in which last battle our troops (Pickett's Division and
our cavalry corps under Fitz. Lee) were disastrously defeated at
the hands of Sheridan's Cavalry and Warren's Fifth Corps of
Infantry. On the morning of April 2d, at 4 o'clock, our atten-
uated lines near Petersburg were assaulted by Generals AVright
and Parke (Sixth and Ninth Corps), previously massed in front
of their works, and so near to ours that they could reach them^
in a few steps, and almost before their approach was known.
Wright's Corps carried the works in his front, which would have
been impregnable if defended by any adequate force, but which in
fact were occupied by a mere skirmish line. The Eleventh and the
Twenty-sixth North Carolina were among the troops in trenches
(the rest of the brigade having gone to the right), and the men
were placed Jive or six feet apai-t. Breaking through the line at the
point of assault, the Federals swung around to the left and swept
down the trenches, turning our own artillery against us as it was
captured. At the same time General Parke, with the Ninth
Corps, carried the first line of our works in his front nearer to
Petersburg, but here encountered an inner line of fortifications
which he failed to carry, though he afterwards did so when re-
inforced by other troops. Our lines being thus cut in two, and
the troops on Hatcher's E,un cut off from those at Petersburg,
General Lee evacuated Petersburg and undertook to re-assemble
his army on the Danville Railroad.
It was not to be. Grant flanked him and dogged his rear
Eleventh Regiment. 603
during all the dreary retreat, ending with the surrender, April
9th, of the remnant of Lee's army at Appomattox Court House.
During this retreat MacRae's Brigade was often called upon for
service, which it rendered with alacrity if not with hopefulness.
Ou 8th April the brigade formed the rear-guard of the army.
Formed in a triangle across the road, the men six feet apart, the
rear angle resting on the road. From this position it was relieved
by Mahone's men and taken at double-quick, with the remainder
of Heth's Division, to protect the artillery stalled in the mud
and menaced by a large force of cavalry. The division witnessed
a cavalry charge that seemed to be bloody and terrific, but the
retreat of the Federals disclosed the fact that although the two
bodies of cavalry had violently assaulted each other with sword
and pistol, the only man killed on the field was a Confederate
lieutenant, whose head was shot off by our owu guns.
On the night of 7th April, in a consultation of the officers
of the Eleventh Regiment, Captain Outlaw, of Company C, was
advised to take charge of the flag and see that it was not lost.
It was removed from the staff, the silk cover replaced, and dur-
ing the 8th of April it was not unfurled and no one knew but
that the flag was on the staff. When General Lee rode to the
front and through the lines to meet General Grant, every one
knew that the hour of surrender had come. The officers present
with the regiment at once retired to a secluded thicket, and rak-
ing up a pile of twigs and leaves, committed the flag to the flames.
Before burning it. Captains Outlaw and J. M. Young tore out
pieces of each color. Sincere tears have often been shed around
funeral pyres, but never more bitter and sorrowful tears bedewed
any ashes than were shed over their dead flag. It had been given
by the Legislature of North Carolina to the Bethel Regiment,
and then committed to the keeping of the Eleventh. It had
waved over it in triumph on many a bloody field. It had never
been dishonored and they could not bear to see it the trophy of
an enemy.
Heth's Division surrendered a total of one thousand five hundred
and seventy-two officers and men and our brigade a total of four
604 North Caeolina Tboops, 1861-'65.
hundred and forty-two. The exact number of the Eleventh at
the surrender is not recorded. It was doubtless less than one hun-
dred. Whatever it was, Colonel Martin had the melancholy satis-
faction of signing their paroles, and the gallant regiment ceased to
exist. Different parties took different routes to their desolate homes,
and we bade each other a sad, in many cases a tearful, farewell.
Davidson College, N. C. W. J. MaetiHT,
QuiTSNA, N. C. E. R. Outlaw.
TWELFTH REGIMENT.
1. Sol. Williams, Colonel. 3, W. H. Kitcliin, Captain, Co. I.
2. Plato Durham, Captain, Co. E. 4. John T. Gregory, Adjntanf.
."). Junius C. Battle, Private, Co. D.
TWELFTH REGIMENT.
By WAIwTER a. MONTGOMERY, Second IvIEUT. Company F.
The Twelfth Regiment of North Carolina Troops was origi-
nally the Second Regiment of North Carolina Volunteers. The
change of the number of the regiment from the Second to the
Twelfth was the result of the two different but simultaneous
plans of enlistment adopted by the legislative authorities. The
regiments of volunteers were formed under an act of the General
Assembly, ratified on the 10th of May, 1861, and entitled "An
Act to provide for the public defense." The volunteers were to
be enlisted for twelve months and tendered to the Confederate
States of America, or any one of the slave-holding States. The
company commissioned officers were to elect the field officers,
the men the company commissioned officers and the captains to
appoint the non-commissioned officers. The State Troops were
raised, by voluntary enlistment, under another act of the General
Assembly, ratified the 8th of May, 1861, and entitled "An Act
to raise ten thousand State Troops," and they were to consist of
ten thousand men, divided into ten regiments, eight of infantry,
one of cavalry, one of artillery, to serve "during the present
war, unless sooner discharged." The Governor had the power
conferred on him to appoint all the commissioned officers created
by the last mentioned act.
These ten regiments of State Troops were evidently intended
for service in North Carolina, for the act creating them contained
no power to have them transferred to the Confederate States.
They were, however, subsequently transferred to the Confederate
States of America by an ordinance of the Convention passed June
27, 1861. Under these dual systems of enlistments going on,
simultaneously, different regiments had the same number, as
606 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
the First and Second Regimeats of Volunteers and First and
Second Regiments of State Troops. To prevent confusion, the
numbers from one to ten, inclusive, were assigned to the State
Troops, raised under the act of 8th May, and the fourteen regi-
ments of volunteers, then in the service, were required to add
ten to the original numbers of their regiments. The First Vol-
unteers, therefore, became the Eleventh, the Second became the
Twelfth, and so up to the Fourteenth, which became the Twenty-
fourth. Afterwards the regiments, as they were formed, were
numbered in order.
This regiment was organized at the camp of instruction near
Garysburg, on the ISth of May, 1861. The ten companies com-
prising it, however, had been in camps of instruction since the
latter days of April — first at the old fair grounds at Raleigh,
and then near Garysburg, and some of them in actual service,
certainly the two Warren companies — the Guards and the Rifles —
at Fort Macon, before their arriving at Raleigh. Solomon
Williams, of Nash, a graduate of the West Point Academy, of the
class of , was elected Colonel; Edward Cantwell, of New Han-
over, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Augustus W. Burton, of Cleveland,
Major. John C. Pegram, of Virginia, was appointed Adjutant,
and Thomas J. Foote, of Warren, Sergeant-major; W. T. Alston,
of Warren, Assistant Quartermaster; James Johnson, of North-
ampton, Surgeon, and R. W. Young, of Granville, Assistant
Surgeon. W. T. Alston resigned within a few months, and was
succeeded by B. F. Powell, of Warren, and he by John S. North-
ington, of Halifax. The resignation of Dr. Johnson, as Surgeon,
was followed by the appointment of R. S. F. Peete, of Warren,
in May, 1862. Solomon Williams Alston was also appointed
Assistant Surgeon, and died in July, 1862, from fever, contracted
around Richmond. He was succeeded by W. V. Marston, and
he by George A. Penny. In 1862, S. P. Arriugton was appointed
Quartermaster Sergeant. J. A. Deal served as Ordnance Ser-
geant through the war, and R. H. Bullock Commissary Sergeant
for the same length of time.
There were two companies from Warren, A (Warren Guards,
Twelfth Regiment. 607
Captain B. O. Wade), and G (Warren Rifles, Captain T. L.
Jones); two from Granville, B (Granville Grays, Captain George
Wortham), and F (Townsville Guards, Captain Henry E. Cole-
man); one from Catawba, K (Catawba Rifles, Captain John Ray);
one from Cleveland, H (Cleveland Guards, Captain Augustus W.
Burton); one from Halifax, E (Halifax Light Infantry, Captain
James H. Whitaker); one from Nash, I (Nash Boys, Captain W.
T. Williams); one from Duplin, C (Duplin Rifles, Captain
Thomas S. Kenan); one from Robeson, D (Lumberton Guards,
Captain R. M. Norment).
The regiment left Garysburg by rail for Richmond on the 22d
of May, 1861.
Upon its.arrival at Richmond it was ordered to Norfolk, an
attack upon that place being daily expected, and arrived at the
latter place, and was soon assigned to the brigade of General
Withers, afterwards Mahone's. During the succeeding summer
months it was encamped at Camp Carolina, upon Ward's farm, near
the old fair grounds. A contiguous field to the encampment,
level and of. sufficient area, furnished most suitable grounds for
drill and parade, and the constant training of the men for months,
in company and regimental exercises, produced a high degree of
proficiency in disciplinary maneuvers. The regiment, however,
embraced in considerable proportion a class of men of education,
of social refinement and wealth, who mingled freely on terms of
social equality with field and staff and company officers, and
military discipline was thereby rendered impossible. To add to
the difficulties in the way of discipline, the camp was the constant
scene of gayety, and the city of Norfolk was daily thronged with
members of the regiment on social visits to the citizens; and fur-
loughs were generously granted.
The regiment took up winter-quarters at Camp Arrington,
near Sewell's Point Battery, where it remained until it left Nor-
folk on the 6th of May, 1862. Nothing disturbed the monotony
of the camp with the exceptions of the destruction of the "Con-
gress" and "Cumberland" by the Confederate Ram, "Virginia"
(Merrimac), in Hampton Roads on the 8th March, 1862, and the
608 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
naval engagement between the " Virginia " and the " Monitor,"
which took place the next day in the same waters, all of which was
witnessed by the men from the shore, south of Sewell's Point Bat-
tery.
While at Camp Arrington the terra of service of Companies-
C (Duplin Rifles), and. D (Lumberton Guards), expired (they
having been enlisted for six months), and they were mustered
out, reorganized and assigned to other regiments.
Their places were supplied by a company from Halifax, Cap-
tain Shugan Snow, and a company made up from Warren and
Franklin, Robert W. Alston, Captain.
The conscription act of the Confederate Congress, ratified
April 16, 1862, provided, among other things, that j;roops whose
term of original enlistment had not expired, should have the
right within forty days to reorganize the companies, battalions
and regiments by electing all their officers which they had aright
to elect before the passage of the act. Under that provision of
the act a reorganization of the- regiment took place on the first
day of May, 1862. Solomon Williams was elected Colonel; B.
0. Wade, Lieutenant-Colonel, and T. L. Jones, Major. The
commissioned officers of the companies elected the field officers
and the men elected all their company commissioned officers. At
this time the lettering of the companies was changed. Snow's
company became Company T, and Alston's company became
Company K. The letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H, in order,
were assigned to the original companies K, F, G, B, H, A, E and
1, respectively.
Upon the evacuation of Norfolk on the 9th of May, 1862, the
regiment was detached from Mahone's Brigade and ordered to
the Valley of Virginia to report to General Ewell, but was
halted at Gordonsville, and in about two weeks retraced its steps
as far as Hanover Court House.
BATTLE NEAR HANOVER COURT HOUSE.
This battle occurred on the 27th of May, 1862. General L. O'B.
Branch commanded the Confederates and General Fitz John Por-
ter the Union forces. General Branch's strength consisted of the
Twelfth Regiment. 609
Seventh, Eighteenth, Twenty-eighth, Thirliy-third and Thirty-
seventh North Carolina Regiments (his own brigade), the Twelfth
North Carolina, the Forty-fifth Georgia, and Latham's Battery
of four pieces General Porter had immediately with him four-
teen regiments of Morell's Division, Berdan's Sharp-shooters,
and three batteries of artillery, a horse battery and two regiments
of cavalry. Porter had been sent in that direction from Me-
chanicsville by McClelian to open up the way for McDowell and
his corps from the neighborhood of Fredericksburg, and to de-
stroy the Central Railroad. The battle was unequal. The Con-
federates were caught divided, and they were outnumbered. The
Union commander was a skillful soldier, trained from his youth
in the profession of arms. That he was a consummate tactician
and sturdy fighter was shortly to appear at Beaver Dam Creek,
Cold Harbor and Malvern Hill. The result was a disaster for
the Confederates. The isolated fight made by the Twenty-eighth
Regiment was obstinate. The charge of the Eighteenth and
Thirty-seventh was most creditable. The Thirty-third, Twelfth
and Seventh North Carolina participated but slightly, and the
Forty-fifth Georgia was not engaged. The loss of the Twelfth
was seven killed and twenty wounded. Adjutant Elias Bunn
was wounded here, and afterwards died. He had succeeded
Pegfam, who had resigned.
The regiment, after the battle of Hanover Court House, re-
joined Mahone's Brigade, but too late to take part in the battle
of Seven Pines. On the 6th of June following. Colonel Wil-
liams was transferred to the Nineteenth North Carolina (Second
Cavalry), and was killed while gallantly ■ leading his regiment
near Fleetwood (Brandy) on the 9th of June, 1863.
Upon Colonel Williams leaving the regiment, Lieutenant-
Colonel Wade became Colonel; Major Jones, Lieutenant-Colonel,
and David P. Rowe, Captain Company A, Major. Sergeant-
major Foote was on the 6th of June appointed Adjutant by
Colonel Wade and J. T. Cook succeeded to the office of Sergeant-
major and W. M. Wilfong became Captain of Company A. On
the 17th of June the Twelfth Regiment, with the Fifth, Thir-
39
610 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
teenth, Twentieth atid Twenty-third (all North Carolina regi-
ments) were constituted a brigade, and placed under the command
of General Samuel Garland, of Virginia. (The Thirteenth
Regiment in the winter following was transferred to Scales'
Brigade). General Garland was of fine personal character, a
soldier brave and skillful, and most competent to command a
brigade, and he afterwards sealed with his blood and death, at
Boonsboro, his devotion to his country, but he should not have
been appointed to the command of these North Carolina regi-
ments. He was preferred over Colonel MacRae (and other com-
petent Carolinians), who had just come out of that immersion of
fire of the Fifth Regiment at Williamsburg, its charge, with the
Twenty-fourth Virginia, on that occasion, calling forth from
General Hancock the exclamation : "Those regiments deserve to
have 'immortal' inscribed on their banners." The Fifth North
Carolina at Williamsburg carried into the battle four hundred
and fifteen men. Seventy were killed dead on the field, twenty-
five (by the average) died from wounds received there, and the usual
proportion of those not mortally wounded were in the casualties.
The charge was but for a moment. The loss, all things con-
sidered, was the heaviest that occurred in any regiment during
the war. Ten guns, supported by five regiments of infantry,
with six companies of sharp-shooters in formidable redoubts,
occupying a chain of hills, and under the eye of General Han-
cock, received the charge of the two Confederate regiments. The
distance was over half a mile, the ground wet and miry, and
the men in disorder from crossing the creek and the tangle
growth around it. It makes the heart sick to read of the wound-
ing, the maiming, the killing of these devoted men. It is all
very well to write of the glory and the fame and the honor of
that charge. The men who made it deserve to have their mem-
ories enshrined in the hearts of all humanity, now and forever,
for courage and devotion to duty, but impartial history has only
censure for those who were responsible for that useless waste of
blood.
Each one of the general officers who were connected with it,
Twelfth Regiment. 611
of course, sought to avoid the responsibility of it. The only
things that appear to be certain about it are that the charge was
not necessary; that General Early comoaenced the fighting with
the Twenty-fourth Virginia Regiment, and that General Joseph
E. Johnston authorized it, but advised caution. All the balance
is confused. General D. H. Hill reported that General Long-
street approved the movement and directed him to make it; that
he (Hill) was with the right wing, and that Early impetuously
made the attack with the other wing, and not according to the
plans of Hill. General Longstreet, in his book "From Ma-
nassas to Appomattox," writes : " General Johnston had arrived
at my headquarters near Fort Magruder, when General Hill sent
to report the reconnaissance, and to ask that he be allowed to make
a move against Hancock by Early's Brigade. General Johnston
received the message and referred the officer to me. I ordered
that the move should not be made, explaining that we were only
fighting for time to draw oft' our trains; that aggressive battle
was necessary on our right in order to keep the enemy back in
the woodland from the open, where, by his superior artillery and
numbers, he might deploy beyond our limits and turn us out of
position; that on our left there was no cause for apprehension of
such action, and we could not risk being drawn into serious delay
by starting new work so late in the day. Very soon General
Hill rode over to report of the opportunity; that he thought he
could get through before night, and would not be likely to in-
volve delay of our night march. General Johnston referred him
tome. I said: 'The brigade you propose to use is not in safe
hands. If you will go with it and see that the troops are prop-
erly handled, you can make the attack, but don't involve us so
as to delay the march after night.' " General Longstreet further
says that General Hill, after the war, wrote of this fight: "I
cannot think of it till this day without horror. The slaughter
of the Fifth North Carolina Regiment was one of the most awful
things I ever saw, and it was caused by a blunder. At your re-
quest, I think, I followed Early's Brigade, following the right
wing."
612 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
No apology is necessary for the above digression. All North
Carolinians should be proud of the Fifth North Carolina Regi-
ment. Our sympathies, .too, should be doubly interested, for in
addition to its misfortunes at Williamsburg, it is also to be re-
membered that that regiment met with a worse fate at Gettysburg
in its assault on the rock wall, on Forney's farm, where it was
put in on a false alignment and was left to its doom by its bri-
gade commander (Iverson), who did not come upon the actual
field. It perished there in its visible form, to beconie again in-
carnate at the Wilderness and Spottsylvania by the return of its
sick and wounded.
THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES.
On the 26th of June, 1862, four corps of the Army of the
Potomac, constituting its center and left wing, were intrenched
on the south side of the Chickahominy and to the east of Rich-
mond, in a nearly north and south line from White Oak Swamp
to New Bridge. The right wing of that army, the Fifth Corps,
under Fitz John Porter, occupied the high and rough bluffs along
the north side of the Chickahominy from New Bridge north-
westwardly to Mechanicsville, the real line at that point, how-
ever, being about a mile to the rear, along the north side of
Beaver Dam Creek, a position of great natural strength, and well
fortified. The Federal army was put down at one hundred and
five thousand effectives, while the Confederate was placed at
eighty thousand. General Lee had thirty-nine brigades of one
hundred and seventy-five regiments of infantry, and General
McClellan had thirty-two brigades of one hundred and forty-
eight regiments of that service. Each army had more than an
abundance of artillery. Lee's first plan of attack (set out in his
letter to General Jackson, dated 11th of June) was for Jackson
" to move rapidly to Ashland by rail or otherwise, as you find
most advantageous, and sweep down between the Chickahominy
and Pamunkey, cutting off the enemy's communications, while this
army attacks General McClellan in front." This plan was, after
deliberation, abandoned, and one adopted in which Jackson was
Twelfth Eegiment. 613
to co-operate with the divisions of Longstreet, D. H. Hill and
A. P. Hill in an attack upon Porter's Corps at Mechanicsville
and Beaver Dam Creek. Under the order of battle, issued upon
the 24th, the three divisions named were to be in concentration
at the bridges over the Chickahominy, near Mechanicsville, to
await the movements of Jackson. Huger and Magruder were
to hold the lines to the east of Richmond, observe the movements
of the enemy and follow him closely should he retreat. It was
expected that Jackson would be, on the night of the 25th, within
a few miles of the other Confederate columns. Jackson was di-
rected to advance at 3 o'clock Thursday morning, the 26th, on a
road running in the rear of the Federal position on Beaver Dam
Creek. As soon as Jackson's movements should be discovered,
A. P. Hill was to force Meadow bridge and move upon Me-
chanicsville, while D. H. Hill and Longstreet should cross over
Mechanicsville bridge as soon as it should be uncovered by A. P,
Hill's movement, D. H. Hill was then to move to the support
of Jackson and Longstreet to the support of A. P. Hill. The four
commands were then to sweep in touch and in echelon down the
Chickahominy, driving the enemy, pressing forward to the York
River Railroad, closing up the enemy's rear and forcing him down
the Chickahominy. But Jackson was delayed some hours by the
extreme heat and the failure of the Richmond Commissariat to
supply his troops with food at Ashland. A. P. Hill, not having
heard from Jackson, and becoming impatient at his delay, begun
the attack, contrary to orders, at about 3 P. M., without the aid
of Jackson in the rear. He drove the Union outposts from
around Mechanicsville across Beaver Dam Creek into their in-
trenchments. The divisions of Longstreet and D. H. Hill
crossed the Chickahominy at Mechanicsville bridge as soon as it
was uncovered. Field and Pender, of A. P. Hill's Division,
and Ripley's Brigade, of D. H. Hill's Division, were engaged
in the attack on the line behind Beaver Dam Creek — Pender and
Ripley at and near Ellison's mill, and Field higher up the creek.
It ended in a repulse and dreadful slaughter of the Confederates —
a most useless waste of human life. The loss of the Federals
614 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-65.
was three hundred and sixty-one; that of the Confederates between
two and three thousand. General D. H. Hill, who witnessed the
attack, wrote an account of it in "Battles and Leaders of the
Civil War," as follows :
" The result was as might have been foreseen, a bloody and
disastrous repulse. None of us knew of the formidable charac-
ter of the works on Beaver Dam. Our engineers seemed to know
little of the country, and nothing of the fortifications on the
creek. The maps furnished the division commanders were worth-
less. The lack of knowledge of the topography was inexcusable.
They had plenty of time. The Federals had been preparing for
the movement all the winter, and McClellan's movements up
the Peninsula indicated what position he would take up. The
blood shed by the Southern troops was wasted in vain. They
could have been halted at Mechanicsville until Jackson had
turned the works on the creek and all that waste of blood could
have been avoided. Ripley's Brigade was sent by me to the
assistance of Pender by the direct order of both Mr. Davis and
General Lee. The attack on the Beaver Dam intrenchments,
upon the heights of Malvern Hill and Gettysburg were all grand,
but of exactly the kind of grandeur the South could not afford."
On the next morning a line of skirmishers only occupied the
intrenchments on Beaver Dam, the main body of the Federals
having withdrawn during the night, upon learning of Jackson's
presence, to another strong position at Cold Harbor. The Con-
federates followed, D. H. Hill moving on the road to Bethesda
Church to reach Porter's right rear. After many delays and
perplexities, he found the enemy's lines about 2:.30 P. M., at the
very time that A. P. Hill was moving his division to attack the
Federal center. Longstreet was on the right and in support.
The divisions of Jackson, "Whiting and Ewell were on the left
and center in readiness for battle. The position of the Federals
was behind a swampy stream running from the north, with its
mouth in the Chickahominy and crossed by the road from Me-
chanicsville to Cold Harbor, with Gaines' mill and pond beside
it. The topographic conditions were as favorable to the Union
Twelfth Regiment. 615
forces as they were at Beaver Dam Creek. General Longstreet,
in "From Manassas to Appomattox," describes it as follows:
"The enemy was found strongly posted upon high ground over
the Grape-vine Bridge, forming a semi-circle, with its flanks
near the river. A deep and steep chasm in front of his left
divided the height upon which he stood from an open plateau, over
which he must be attacked, if at all, on his left. The side slope
leading up to that position was covered by open forests, obstructed
and defended by felling trees. Behind these lines were the
divisions of Sykes and Morell, with bristling artillery for the first
defense, with McCall's Division of infantry and a tremendous
array of artillery in reserve. Further strength was given to the
position by a stream which cut in between the two heights, with
deep, scarped banks. His right was covered to some extent by
swamp lands and forests, tangles almost as formidable as the ap-
proach toward his left." In the beginning of the action Porter
had thirty-six infantry regiments of his own corps, and later in
the day was re-inforced by twelve regiments of Slocum's Division,
from the south of the river.
He had ninety pieces of artillery, two regiments of cavalry,
and three bodies of sharp-shooters. His force was probably
thirty-five thousand men. The Confederates had one hundred
and twelve regiments of infantry and ten batteries, and num-
bered about fifty-five thousand men. A. P. Hill commenced the
battle by a fierce attack on the center with his brigades, in suc-
cession, which lasted nearly two hours. His columns were thor-
oughly exhausted, and the battle was turned into one of defense
on his part. He got no aid, though there were nearly fifty thou-
sand Confederates during the whole time within a mile of him.
Jackson had thrown back his whole force from the immediate
front of the enemy, in ambush as it were, to bag him as A. P.
Hill drove him back. After A. P. Hill's Division was prostrated,
D. H. Hill commenced his battle, late in the afternoon, on the
extreme left, Garland being the extreme left of the Confederate
army. The advance was through the swamp, the obstructions
and tangled undergrowth. In addition, the point in the enemy's
616 North Carolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
line where a lodgement was intended to be made required the
movement to be a wheeling circle, with a shortened radius, which
threw the troops into great disorder, regiments and brigades lap-
ping each other. But notwithstanding the confusion and the
other difficulties, the division, inch by inch, and minute by min-
ute, with feet and hands tearing away tangle-growth, in the face
of storms of shot and shell, and the ground strown with the dead
and dying, made headway, and upon the forward movement of
the whole array at, or a little after, sunset, the Federals were
pushed from their position. At that very moment the two bri-
gades (Federal) of French and Meagher came upon the scene,
and, with shouts, got ready to stem the tide of retreat, but did
not participate in the battle. The whole of the enemy's artillery,
from a commanding position, opened a terrific fire on the ad-
vancing Confederates, and that, with the lateness of the hour,
prevented any further pursuit. During that night, the 27th,
Porter crossed over to the southern side of the Chickahominy,
and the next morning found hinj, with a great array of artillery,
defiantly opposing Lee's advance. The reconstruction of the
bridge was impossible in the face of such a foe, and the Confed-
erates were compelled to await developments. As McClellan
might undertake to preserve his communication with his base at
the White House on the Pamunkey, Stewart and Ewell were
sent to York River Railroad, upon reaching which, at Dis-
patch Station, the Federals were found to have retreated across
the river and burnt the railroad bridge. Clouds of dust could be
seen on the south side of the Chickahominy, but McClellan had
two lines of retreat open to him — through White Oak Swamp
to James River, or to cross by the lower fords of the Chicka-
hominy and go down the Peninsula. If he should go down the
peninsula, then the Confederate army was to operate from the
north side of the river; if his retreat was through the great
swamp to the James, then the Confederates must cross the river
and make pursuit. Bottom's bridge was guarded by Ewell and
the lower fords by the cavalry. During the afternoon and night
of the 28th, the Federals not having appeared at the lower fords.
Twelfth Regiment. 617
-and it appearing that a general movement was on foot, it became
manifest that the Union army was in retreat to the James.
Early on the morning of the 29th, Longstreet and A. P. Hill
were directed to cross the river at New Bridge, march toward
Richmond to and down the Darby town road, and interpose be-
tween the enemy and James River. Magruder was to take the
Williamsburg road and attack the Federal rear, and Huger to
go by the Charles City road and strike his flank. Jackson was
directed to cross at Grape-vine Bridge and move down the south
side of the Chickahominy. Magruder came up with the enemy's
rear under Sumner, at Savage Station, and attacked with one of
his divisions only. The enemy continued the retreat, crossed the
swamp and burnt the bridge there. It was thought that Jackson
would have been on hand at Savage Station. If he had been
present the chances were that the enemy would have been dis-
lodged, and the Confederates would have passed over the bridge
at White Oak Swamp with the retreating Federals, and that
would have placed Jackson at Glendale, Frazier's farm, on the
next day in time for Longstreet's battle at that place. It was
confidently expected by General Lee that at Glendale Longstreet
and A. P. Hill would be found in front of the retreating enemy,
Jackson in his rear and Huger on his right flank. Longstreet
and A. P. Hill were in position; Jackson was not there; Huger
was not there. During this day the Federals had been pushing
their trains to a secure place on the James, and before 12 m. of
the first of July all had passed safely, except ammunition wagons,
for immediate use at their already selected battlefield — Malvern
Hill. Early on the morning of the first of July, Jackson, Ma-
gruder and Huger met near Glendale, but the enemy was then
at Malvern Hill. Of McClellan's position there. General Lee,
in his official report, says : " On this position of great natural
strength he had concentrated his powerful artillery, supported by
masses of infantry, partially protected by earth-works. Imme-
diately in his front the ground was open, varying in width from
a quarter to half a mile, and sloping gradually from the crest,
was completely swept by the fire of his infantry and artillery.
618 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
To reach this open ground our troops had to advance through a
broken and thickly wooded country, traversed nearly throughout
its whole extent by a swamp passable at few places, and difficult
at those. The whole was within range of the batteries on the
heights and the gun-boats in the river, under whose incessant fire
our movements had to be executed." It was the most formidable
position the enemy had yet held. It was only about a mile long,
and behind this short front, in many lines and columns, nearly
the whole of McClellan's army was posted. Couch's Corps on
the right, and Porter's on the left, made the first infantry line
of the Union forces. Whiting's small division was the left of
the first Confederate line, D. H. Hill's was next, then a part of
Huger's Division, and then Magruder's. The other Confederate
forces were in reserve and did not become engaged.
D. H. Hill's attack was upon Couch in the center. It is dif-
ficult to give any intelligible account of this battle, for it was an
accident and had no plan. There was entire ignorance of the
topography on the part of the Confederate generals, there was
absolutely no concert of action, and consequently no two divisions
fought at the same time, and the successive disjointed assaults of
the Confederates resulted in their great and useless slaughter.
General Lee, in his report, said: "Owing to ignorance of the
country, the dense forests impeding necessary communication,
and the extreme difficulty of the ground, the whole line was not
formed until a late hour in the afternoon. * * * -p^j. ^yant
of concert among the attacking columns, their assaults were too
weak to break the Federal line, and after struggling gallantly,
sustaining and inflicting great loss, they were compelled succes-
sively to retire." General D. H. Hill said in his official report:
"Again the want of concert with the infantry divisions was most
painful. My division fought an hour or more the whole Yankee
force without assistance from a single Confederate soldier. * *
Notwithstanding the tremendous odds against us and the blun-
dering management of the battle, we inflicted heavy loss upon
the Yankees." General Garland, in his report, said : " It is not
my desire to indulge in criticism or crimination. It is enough
Twelfth Regiment. 619
to say that there was somehow a want of concert and co-operation
in the whole affair that made a successful attack impracticable,
and the consequent disorder and straggling of troops most lamen-
table. My own brigade went up as far as any troops I saw
upon the field, and behaved as well. If they retired, so did all
the rest who were ordered to charge the battery. The whole divi-
sion became scattered." Malvern Hill battle was to have been
commenced by the Confederates upon a pre-arranged and agreed
upon signal, to-wit : the advance and yell of Armistead's Bri-
gade, and Armistead was to advance when it should be discovered
that the Federal artillery had been crippled or silenced by the
Confederate batteries. The time for the advance of Armistead
never came, for the Confederate artillery never got into position,
even, and the few pieces that did appear were knocked to pieces
almost instantly by the Federal artillery. And Armistead never
advanced with a yell, the signal for the Confederate attack.
General Lee, thinking that all the general officers understood
from the failure of the Confederate batteries to silence or cripple
the Federal artillery, so apparent to all, did not formally revoke
the order, and, according to General Longstreet, was engaged in
making another plan when the battle commenced. General
Jackson, in his report, said: "The commanding general had
issued an order that at a given signal there should be a general
advance along the whole line. General D. H. Hill, hearing what
he believed to be the signal, with great gallantry engaged the
enemy." General Garland, in his report, gave this account of
General Hill's attack: "Late in the afternoon orders were com-
municated that the Commander-in-Chief had selected a position
from which our artillery could enfilade the enemy's batteries;
that the effect of our fire could be seen, and when the enemy's
guns were crippled or silenced, a general advance of the infantry
would be ordered. The enfilading fire soon commenced, and the
commander of the division (D. H. Hill), accompanied by several
of the brigade commanders, including the writer, went-to a point
from which the effect could be observed. So far from producing
marked effect, the firing was so wild that we were returning to
620 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
our posts, under the impressioD that do movement of infantry
would be ordered, when suddenly one or two brigades belonging
to a division on our right (either Magruder's or Huger's) charged
out of the woods toward the right with a shout. Major-General
Hill at once exclaimed: 'That must be the general advance;
bring up your brigades as soon as possible and join in.' "
The Twelfth Regiment, Colonel Wadecommanding,tookpartin
the battles of Cold Harbor and Malvern Hill, with the other regi-
ments of Garland's Brigade. One of the companies — Company
H, Nash Boys — was not present at the Richmond battles. It
was at GordoDsville on provost duty, and did not return to the
regiment until just before the battle at Chaucellorsville. In its
place, however, there was another Nash company which did par-
ticipate with the Twelfth, and, after the battle around Richmond,
was transferred and became Company H, of the Thirty-second
North Carolina Regiment. John A. Drake was Captain of
Company H, of the Twelfth, and John J. Drake was Captain of
the other. The last named was wounded, as was also Lieutenant
Joseph P. Jenkins, of the same company, at Malvern Hill. The
Twelfth Regiment entered the battle of Cold Harbor with four
hundred and forty-five men, and its losses there and at Malvern
Hill were fifty-one killed and one hundred and seventy-six
wounded. The losses were not reported separately, but, after a
careful investigation, it is believed that they were about equal on
either field. It is singular that, though the companies were
equally exposed, nearly half of the killed of the regiment were
from the two Warren companies, C and F. Adjutant Thomas
J. Foote was mortally wounded at Cold Harbor, and died three
days afterwards. He was succeeded iu the office of Adjutant by
Lieutenant John T. Gregory, of Company G. Sergeant-major
Cooke was also wounded there, On the same field. Captain
John T. Taylor, of Company B, was killed. Lieutenant M. F.
Taylor succeeded Captain John T. Taylor as Captain of Com-
pany B. Captain Augustus Landis, of Company D, was wounded
and disabled. Captain David P. Rowe was dangerously wounded,
and Lieutenant Edward Alston, of Company T, was wounded
Twelfth Regiment. 621
and disabled, and at Malvern Hill Lieutenant D. M. Miller, of
Company E, laid down his life, and Lieutenant J. M. Brown, of
the same company, was wounded and disabled. On these fields
the regiment bore itself with conspicuous gallantry. At Cold
Harbor, while General Longstreet claimed that Hood's, Ander-
son's and Pickett's men first broke the left of Porter's line, it
is certain that at or before that successful assault was made, Gar-
land and Anderson, of D. H. Hill's Division, had broken the
right of Porter's line. General Garland, in his official report as
to this movement, said: "The effect of our appearance at this
opportune moment decided the fate of the day. The enemy
broke and retreated, made a second stand, which induced my
immediate command to halt under the cover of the road-side and
return their fire. When charging forward again we broke and
scattered them in every direction." And General Hill says in
his official report that "the statements of the Yankees them-
selves, and of the French Princes on McClellan's staff, fully
concur with General Garland that it was this final charge upon
their right flank which decided the fortunes of the day." At
Malvern Hill the regiment, with the balance of Garland's Bri-
gade, had to make its charge over a space of eight or nine hun-
dred yards without cover, and with plowed ground nearest the
enemy. The other brigades of the division were partially cov-
ered in the beginning of their advance. General John B. Gor-
don, who commanded the Alabama brigade, reported that his
dead marked a line nearer the batteries than those of any other
troops, but added that the dead of the Twelfth North Carolina
were along with that line. Colonel Wade mentions for the roll
of honor in those battles Lieutenant Kemp Plummer, of Com-
pany C, and private T. L. Emry, of Company G.
The regiment lost more men from fever around Richmond
than in the battles there.
Nearly thirty-eight years have passed since the battles around
Richmond were fought. We can make reflections and draw con-
clusions now that were not permissible to Southerners then. The
general plans of the Confederate commander are admitted by all
622 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
to have been excellent, but he was handicapped by a lack of correct
maps, and by a total ignorance of the topography around Rich-
mond, those facts having been stated in his and also in General
Jackson's reports of those battles. Of course his subordinates
were similarly situated. Major Jed. Hotchkiss, one of General
Jackson's engineers ("Confederate Military History"), writes:
"Jackson rightly expecting to be supplied with maps of a lo-
cality so near to Richmond, where the engineers had had ample
time to survey and map the country, had sent his own topographi-
cal engineer and his assistants back to the Valley to continue
the work of preparing an accurate map of that important mili-
tary field; but no maps were furnished him, except some that
were imperfect and unreliable, and the guides sent to lead him
were not well informed as to the field of action. The same was
true in reference to other portions of Lee's command, and of
General Lee himself." There was also a fatal want of concert
of action, on the march and in battle, between the major-generals.
Some of them did not, or could not, understand the plans of
their chief, or the immense interests that they held in their hands.
General Longstreet, in " Battles and Leaders in the Civil War,"
writes : "General Lee's plans in the seven days' fights were ex-
cellent, but very poorly executed."
General E. P. Alexander, Chief of Artillery of Longstreet's
Corps, in an article in "The Southern Historical Society Papers,"
has the following to say of the battle of Glendale : " As no one
can go through the details of this action without surprise at the
fatal want of concert of action which characterized the many
gallant and bloody assaults of the Confederates, it is best to say
beforehand that it was but the persistent mishap of every offen-
sive battlefield which the Army of Northern Virginia ever
fought, and that its causes were not peculiar to any one."
From Beaver Dam Creek to Malvern Hill, inclusive, these
battles were but a series of disjointed Confederate assaults upon
almost impregnable Union positions, selected beforehand by the
enemy for battle, and resulting in unparalleled slaughter of the
attacking columns. A crimson tide of Southern blood was left
Twelfth Regiment. 623
in the path of the Army of Northern Virginia — blood of men
who loved their country, their families and their friends, and who
had a stake in the land. If the skill of the Confederate major-
generals, in those battles, had equaled the courage and patience
of the rank and file, McClellan and his army would have been
captured or destroyed. The loss of the Confederates in killed
and wounded was nearly twenty thousand, the Union loss not
much more than half that.
Through all that blood and confusion and gloom, even Jack-
son's sun did not shine. The great Stonewall, the very inspira-
tion of the war, the hero of Winchester, of Cross Keys and Port
Republic, was helpless; he was as a giant blind. At Cold Har-
bor, without maps and without intelligent guides, and with con-
fusion all around, he was unable to tell frignd from foe, and in
possession for the first time in his life of more troops than he
needed. It took Second Manassas and Sharpsburg and Chan-
cellorsville to put him in high ascendency again.
SECOND MANASSAS AND MARYLAND CAMPAIGNS.
While the seven days' battles were in progress the forces of
Banks, Fremont and McDowell, near Sperryville, in the moun-
tains of Virginia, to be supported by Burnside on the left, were
being- organized into the Army of Virginia under General Pope
for a movement against Richmond by way of the Orange and
Alexandria Railroad. The advance begun on the 13th of July,
and General Lee, though McClellan was confronting him with an
army larger than he had at the seven days' battles, sent Jackson to
meet Pope. On the 19th he reached Gordonsville, and A. P.
Hill soon followed. The battle of Cedar Run was won by Jack-
son and Hill on the 9th of August. Longstreet's Corps arrived
on the 16th, and on the 19th General Lee in person commenced
the Second Manassas campaign. The divisions of D. H. Hill
and McLaws were the last to leave Richmond, the former, with
his division, arriving at Chantilly three days after the Second
Manassas was fought. Though the Union forces had been
beaten, they still greatly outnumbered the Confederates, and were
624 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
protected by the fortifications around Washington, to which they
had been driven, and Lee could not maintain his position. He
had either to retreat to a better position, or to march into Mary-
land. He believed he could whip his adversary on fair ground,,
and that his array would be substantially increased by Maryland
sympathizers. The invasion of Maryland was begun, and on
the 7th of September the Confederute army was concentrated
near Frederick. From that place, on the 8th, General Lee wrote
to President Davis, suggesting that the Confederate Government
propose to the United States Government terms of peace upon
the recognition of the independence of the South, and General
Longstreet, in his book referred to, says that it was his (General
Lee's) deliberate and urgent advice to President Davis to join
him and be prepared to make a proposal for peace and independ-
ence from the head of a conquering army. On the same day he
issued a strong address to the people of Maryland, appealing to
their manhood and patriotism, and assuring them that his army
had only come to aid them in throwing off a foreign yoke, * *
and restore independence and sovereignty to the State. To draw
McClellan from his base and to fight him at or near Hagerstown
was the plan of General Lee; so the army was started on the
march to that place, D. H. Hill in the rear, guarding the trains,
Jackson, with his own forces and McLaw's Division, to turn off,
however, for the capture of Harper's Ferry, and then to rejoin
the army. On the night of the 13th Longstreet was at Hagers-
town and D. H. Hill at Boonsboro, but with his rear holding
the crest of the South Mountain. So far the movement was pro-
ceeding satisfactorily. But on the 13th an official copy of Gen-
eral Lee's order of March (191), revealing in detail the whole
plan of the campaign, fell into the hands of McClellan. The
Confederate army was divided, and McClellan learned of it
through that order. The copy was intended for General D. H.
Hill. It was found by a Federal soldier at Hill's late camp,
wrapped around some Confederate cigars. Two copies of the
order had been made for Hill — one at Lee's headquarters and the
other at Jackson's. The following is General Hill's account of the
TWELFTH EEGIMENT.
1. Jobn Arrington, Color Sergeant, Co. I.
2. James Albert Sherrill, Private, Co. A.
(Killed at South Mountain, Md., Sept.
14, 1838.)
3. Horace Palmer, Private, Co. C.
Harry G. Williams, Private, Co. C.
(Killed at Malvern Hill, July I, 1862.)
Jas. Ferdinand Robinson, Private, Co.
A. (Killed at Spottsylvania C. H.,
May 12, 1864.)
G. Miles Osljornc Sherrill, Orderly Sergeant, Co. A. (Lost leg at
Spott=ylvania C. 11., May, 1864.)
Twelfth Regiment. 625
matter, published in "Battles and Leaders of the Civil War"
"Vol. II,, page 570: "I went into Maryland under Jackson's
command. I was under his command when Lee's order was
issued. It was proper that I should receive that order through
Jackson and not through Lee. I have now before me the order
received from Jackson. My Adjutant-General made affidavit
twenty years ago that no order was received at our office from Gen-
eral Lee." McClellan therefore moved his army in pursuit of Lee,
one column toward Hagerstown, by way of Turner's Gap, another
column towards Harper's Ferry, by way of Crampton Gap.
BOONSBOEO.
Early on the morning of the 14th the Federal army entered
Turner's and Fox's Gaps, and the brigades of Hill were hurried
back from Boonsboro to meet the movement.
On the evening of the 13th General Hill, having received in-
formation that the Federals were approaching the Gap, sent the
brigades of Garland and Colquitt to dispute its passage. On the
morning of the 14th Hill himself went to the Gap, and posted
Garland and Colquitt, the former at and near Fox's, and the
latter at Turner's, a mile apart. The battle was long and fierce.
Hill was re-inforced late in the afternoon by a part of Longstreet's
forces, and held the Gap. The position was abandoned, however,
and on the morning of the 15th the Confederates were forming
on the lines at Sharpsburg. Harper's Ferry was surrendered on
that day, and General Jackson was enabled to take part, by the
skin of his teeth, in the battle of the 17th. Sharpsburg was the
most bloody single-day battlefield of the war. The Confederates
could not have numbered more than between thirty-five and
forty thousand men, while the Union forces could not have been
less than eighty thousand. The losses were, killed and wounded,
about equal, between ten and twelve thousand each. The battle
was splendidly fought by Lee and his lieutenants. The Confed-
erates used all their forces, except about two brigades. Nearly
two corps of the Federals took no part in the action. Each
attack of the Union forces was foiled and the Army of the Po-
40
626 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
tomac brought to a stand when night set in. Its conclusion found
General Lee the most pugnacious spirit (as he always was) in the'
Confederate army. Cool, calm, deliberate always, and most re-
spectful in his language toward his foe, he yet could not endure
the sight of a blue coat on the soil of Virginia, and whenever
they made their appearance in his front there was a battle. Gen-
eral Stephen D. Lee gave in writing to a friend, Major Hotchkiss,
an account of the council of war which General R. E. Lee held
with his lieutenants after dark on the field of Sharpsburg. He in-
quired of each division command, "How is it on your part of the
line?" Longstreet replied, "As bad as can be"; Hill, " My divis-
ion is cut to pieces." Hood declared with great emotion that he
had no division left. General S. D. Lee asserted that all of these
officers advised that the army should cross the Potomac, and that
Lee, after a profound pause, said: "Gentlemen, we will not cross
the Potomac to-night. You will go to your respective commands,
strengthen your lines, send two officers from each brigade toward
the ford, collect your stragglers and bring them up. Many others
have come up. I have had the proper steps taken to collect all
the men who are in the rear. If McClellan wants to fight in
the morning I will give him battle again."
Throughout the day of the 18th Lee occupied his lines unmo-
lested and withdrew that night across the Potomac without loss.
The Twelfth Regiment was engaged with Garland's Brigade at
Boonsboro and Sharpsburg. Its conduct at Boonsboro has been
censured severely by both General D. H. Hill and Colonel Duncan
K. MacRae, who commanded the brigade after the fall of Gar-
land. General Hill was not in person at that part of the field
on which the Twelfth was engaged, and in his official report of
the battle made no criticism on the behavior of the regiment.
His hostile criticism was made tiearly a quarter of a century after
the battle was fought, and in a magazine (" The Century," May,
1886) article. In his official report, made shortly after the battle,
he said: "Garland's Brigade was badly demoralized by his fall
and by the rough handling it had received." And again : " Gar-
land's Brigade had behaved nobly until demoralized by the fall
of its gallant leader and being outflanked by the Yankees."
Twelfth Regiment. 627
Colonel MacRae was a man of commanding gifts, but of very
strong prejudices, and the whole brigade knew of his prejudice
against the Twelfth Regiment. The severity of discipline over
bis own regiment was universally known, and because the Twelfth
was not willing to submit to such discipline in camp as he en-
forced on his own men, he always spoke of the Twelfth as a lot
of "undisciplined gentlemen who thought themselves better than
others." Language so plain would not have been used by
this writer but for its necessity. The honor of the Twelfth
Regiment was questioned. A short and plain and accurate ac-
count of the part taken by the regiment at Boonsboro is neces-
sary. After the seven days' battles the regiment scarcely num-
bered two hundred men. The long and exhaustive march through
Virginia, and until Boonsboro was reached, laid on the road-side
many of the survivors of these battles. They fell out, not from
cowardice, but because from hunger and thirst and heat and
marching nature had been exhausted, and this was the case with
every regiment in the Army of Northern Virginia. When the
Potomac was crossed, on the march into Maryland, a considerable
detachment from this regiment was placed on rear-guard, and at
the battle of Boonsboro it had not arrived. At the opening of
that battle Lieutenant B. M. Collins, of Company C, who was
present until the close, and who was wounded after sundown in
line with the regiment, counted the muskets, and they numbered
ninety-two. Its losses were severe in killed and wounded, num-
bering fifty-eight, according to the report of Lieutenant Collins.
Captains John R. Turnbull and Robert W. Alston were among
the wounded. The attack of the enemy turned the right flank
of the brigade, broke it and separated it from the left. The
broken part retreated down the mountains, and with it was a
small part of the Twelfth Regiment. The greater part of the
regiment, with the flag, was in its place the whole day. That
part of it which left the line carried with it the young captain
(Snow), who was in command in the beginning of the action.
After the battle the regiment was rejoined by some who had
fallen out on the long march, and at Sharpaburg it followed the
fortunes of D. H. Hill's Division during the entire day, and
628
maintained the reputation it had won at Cold Harbor and Mal-
vern Hill.
The Confederate army, upon its return to Virginia, lay be-
tween Winchester and the Potomac till late in October. During
that time the army was recruited and reorganized. Seven lieu-
tenant-generalships had been provided for by the Act of Con-
gress, and Generals Longstreet and Jackson received their com-
missions. The army was divided into two corps, and Longstreet
put in command of the first and Jackson of the second. In the
meantime great numbers of the men had returned to their com-
mands, and before the army marched to Fredericksburg it was
in good condition, and stronger in numbers than it had been since
the battle of Cold Harbor. On the 26th of October McClellan
crossed the Potomac east of the Blue Ridge, and by the end of
November the Rappahannock, at Fredericksburg, separated the
two armies.
Colonel Alfred Iverson, of Georgia, of the Twentieth North
Carolina, succeeded General Garland, who was- killed at Boons-
boro, in the command of the brigade. The regiment did not
actively participate in the battle of Fredericksburg, 13th of De-
cember, 1862, the division of General D. H. Hill having been
in reserve, near Hamilton's Crossing, near the point of Meade's
assault. The winter succeeding was passed in quarters a few
miles east of Fredericksburg. During the winter General Hill
had been assigned to another field, and his division was put under
the command of Brigadier-General Rodes, who was made
Major-General of the division after the battle of Chancellorsville.
BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE.
Longstreet, with two divisions of his corps, leaving McLaws
with Lee, spent the winter of 1862-'63 at and near Suffolk, pro-
curing supplies in Eastern North Carolina. Before he returned
to General Lee, Hooker, who had succeeded Burnside, with an
army of more than one hundred thousand men, crossed the
Rapidan and took position on Lee's left flank, near Chancellors-
ville. The Confederate army numbered about fifty-five thousand
Twelfth Regiment. 629
of all arms. Instead of promptly pressing his advantage, Hooker
hesitated, and Lee acted. Early, with his division, and Barks-
dale, of McLaws' Division, were left at Fredericksburg. An-
derson and the remainder of McLaws' were in front of Hooker,
and Jackson went on his world-famous march to the rear of
Hooker, in the Wilderness. The battle was perfect both in
strategy and tactics, and advanced Generals Lee and Jackson to
the forefront of military commanders. The Confederate soldiers
could not add to their laurels already won. D. H. Hill's Di-
vision, commanded by General Rodes, routed Howard's Corps,
the Eleventh, on the evening of the 2d of May. On the next
morning, early, the handful of Confederates under Stuart, Jack-
son having been wounded on the night of the second, saw three
times their number in a wilderness country, thoroughly intrenched
and waiting for the Confederate attack. The assault had to be
made. Sedgwick, with his corps, was in rear and flank at Fred-
ericksburg, opposed by Early, who was too weak to cope with
him, and Hooker's main force was' between Jackson's Corps and
Richmond. The Twelfth was engaged in both these battles, and
its losses were severe. Major David P. Rowe, who was in com-
mand of the regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Jones having resigned
in October, 1 862, and Colonel Wade having resigned on December
30, 1862, was mortally wounded on the evening of the 2d, while
still suffering from the wound he had received at Cold Harbor.
Sergeant-major Cook also received a wound here, of which he
died, after undergoing great suffering for two months. His suc-
cessor was W. J. Robards, of Company D.
Upon the wounding of Major Rowe, Lieutenant-Colonel R.
D. Johnston, of the Twenty-third North Carolina, was put in
command of this regiment for the next day's battle. In his re-
port of the conduct of the regiment in the battle of the 3d he
said that when he took charge on the night of the 2d there were
two hundred muskets and twenty-five officers present; that the ad-
vance was through dense tangle-growth, and that when it came
upon the enemy's barricades a terrible cross and flank fire from the
enemy's artillery swept the regiment, and adds : " It is with pride
630 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
and gratitude • that I can say, though the whole command was
under a withering cross-fire for a few moments, yet not a man
gave way until I had given the order." He also adds : " I can't
speak in terms too high of the officers and men of this regiment."
He further said: "I cannot close without calling the attention of
the general commanding to the efficiency and gallantry of the corps
of sharp-shooters from this regiment, under the leadership of the
brave Nathan S. Moseley. They never faltered." The regiment
captured three Union flags, J. S. Webber, of Company E, being
the immediate taker. Concerning one of these flags, Lieutenant-
Colonel Johnston wrote to General Rodes as follows: "I have
the honor to state that the flag of the Forty-sixth Pennsylvania
Volunteers was turned over to General Stuart on Monday, in
the presence of the whole command, and he was in such a hurry
that he did not have time to give me a receipt, but if I can find
out his whereabouts, I can get it now, or any time." The roll
of honor was as follows : D. B. Hoover (killed), Company A;
Samuel Alston Ward (killed), Company C; T. A. Stone (after-
wards killed at Gettysburg), Company D; Sergeant L. M. Welles
(killed), Company E; Jerry Draper, Company F; J. C. Hicks,
Company G; A. L. Barnes, Company H; John W. Arrington,
Company I, and John R. Johnson (killed), Company K. Pri-
vate W. Savage, of Company C, captured a colonel and ten men.
Lieutenant W. E. Johnston, of Company F, was mortally
wounded on the second, and Lieutenant W. W. Daniel was killed
on the third. Five other commissioned officers, whose names
are not remembered, were wounded. There were twenty-two
men killed and one hundred and ten wounded.
These battles were splendid victories for Lee, but his small
army was greatly reduced, the losses having been between ten
and twelve thousand (of which number one-third of the killed
were from North Carolina), and he was unable to follow up his
victory.
The regiment was without field officers after Major Rowe's
death, at Chancellorsville, Colonel Wade and Lieutenant-Colonel
Jones having before that time resigned, and their successors not
Twelfth Eegiment. 631
having been appointed. On the 24th of May, 1863, William
S. Davis, Captain of Company C, was appointed Lieutenant-
Colonel, and on the 26th inst. Robert W. Alston, of Company
K, was appointed Major. Kemp Plummer was then appointed
Captain of Company C, and R. L. Williams Captain of Com-
pany K.
The greatness of General Lee as a commander of armies was
nowhere more certainly seen than in the reorganization and re-
cruiting of his army after the battle of Chancellorsville. Within
a month he had organized the most effective and best disciplined
army he ever had. It is doubtful whether in all history there
was ever formed a superior army to the one which Lee threw
against the heights at Gettysburg.
Before the movement north, on June 3, 1863, Longstreet had
returned, and great numbers of the sick and wounded and fur-
loughed had gotten back to their commands; and so great was
the enthusiasm thrown into these movements by General Lee and
his subordinates, that the death of the great war genius of the
nineteenth century, at Chancellorsville, was not realized until the
fateful days around Gettysburg.
After the death of General Jackson the Army of Northern
Virginia was divided into three corps. Longstreet was assigned
to the first, Ewell to the second, and A. P. Hill to the third.
Ewell's Corps was the largest, although Longstreet had had ex-
perience as a corps commander, and up to that time, and always
afterwards, fought his battles according to the rules of military
science. He always prepared his men for action before putting
them in. He knew that the Army of the Potomac was as a ma-
chine in good order, with all its blades sharpened to a fine edge,
and that it was commanded, in the main, by division commanders
of skill and courage. And he knew that the fiery dash and cour-
age of the Southern soldiers would only lead to their defeat and
extermination, unless they were directed by cool heads, and skill-
ful, as well as courageous, officers.
632 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG.
"On the uight of the 27th of June EwelFs Corps was at Car-
lisle and York and Longstreet's and Hill's were at Chambers-
bui-g. It was expected that as soon as the Federal army should
cross the*Potomac General Stuart would give notice of its move-
ments, and nothing having been heard from him since our en-
trance into Maryland, it was inferred that the enemy had not yet
left Virginia. Orders were, therefore, issued (June 27) to move
on Harrisburg. On the night of the 28th news came through a
scout that the Federal army had crossed the Potomac, and that the
head of the columns was at South Mountain, and this arrested the
movement to Hai'risburg." (General Lee's report). This advance
of the enemy threatened General Lee's communications with Vir-
ginia, and he determined to concentrate his army on the east of
the mountain.
On the 29th Hill was ordered to move toward Cashtown,
Longtreet was to follow the next day to the same place, and
Ewell was ordered to Cashtown, or to Gettysburg, -as circum-
stances might require. These dispositions would have been made
more quickly if the movements of the enemy had been known.
If a careful examination is made of the march of the corps of
General A. P. Hill it will be made plain that he brought on the
battle of Gettysburg contrary to the order of General Lee, as he
did the seven days' battles around Richmond. He was ordered to
march toward Cashtown. General Lee's order was for a concen-
tration of his army at, or near Cashtown, immediately east of
the South Mountain, a position most favorable for defensive
battle, and convenient to a most fertile field of support — the
Cumberland A-'^alley in his rear. General Lee knew that in taking
that position the enemy would be compelled to interpose between
the Confederates and Washington and Baltimore. But Hill
marched to Gettysburg and brought on the battle there. The
account of this matter, given by Major Hotchkiss in his book
before referred to, is so interesting that a few passages may not
be out of place. He writes: "A. P. Hill, always ready and
Twelfth Regiment. 633
anxious for a fight, but so far as known without orders from
General Lee, sent the divisions of Heth and Pender toward
Gettysburg, as Hill says in his report, 'to discover what was in
my front.' * * * On this same 1st day of July, Lee, with
Longstreet, crossed the South Mountain, and heard with amaze-
ment the noise of the battle that Hill had begun at Gettysburg
at sunrise, for his express orders had been both to Hill and to
Ewell that they should not bring on a general engagement until
after the concentration of his army at Cashtown; and now Hill
was engaged, at the very beginning of the day, in hot conten-
tion, in the open country about Gettysburg, where mere num-
bers would have greatly the advantage in an engagement, eight
miles away from Lee's selected defensive position, where 'the
strength of the hills' would have been his. General Ander-
son, of Longstreet's command, reports that Lee was listening
intently, as he rode along, to the sound of Hill's guns miles away
to the eastward, and then saying: 'I cannot think what has be-
come of Stuart. I ought to have heard from him long before
now. He may have met with disaster, but I hope not. In the
absence of reports from him, I am in ignorance as to what we
have iu front of us here. It may be the whole Federal army,
or it may be only a detachment. If it is the whole Federal
force, we must fight a battle here. If we do not gain a victory,
those defiles and gorges through which we were passing this
morning will shelter us from disaster.' "
It is apparent that the field of Gettysburg was a surprise to
both armies. At the opening of Hill's battle with Buford's
Cavalry and the First Corps the commanders of each army, with
all their troops, except those engaged, were miles from the scene
of conflict, and absolutely ignorant of each others whereabouts.
About 2 o'clock p. m. on the first, Rodes' Division, rectrac-
ing its steps from Carlisle by way of the Heidlersburg road,
reaching the battlefield, marched to Hill's assistance. The di-
vision, when about two miles from Gettysburg, had left the
Heidlersburg road and marched under cover of woods to the
Mummasburg road, and formed, facing to the east, on both sides
of that road, near Forney's house.
634 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
From an elevated point, Oak Hill, a few yards north of the
Forney house, sixteen guns were opened by Colonel Carter upon
the Federal line in process of formation. General Rodes was
present and said : "Boys, they are advancing upon us; go ahead
and meet them ! " He mistook the process of formation for de-
fense for «n advance upon him. They were securing the very
strongest position possible with the purpose to wait for him.
This will appear with absolute certainty from the reports of both
General Robinson and General Baxter. They knew it had to
come, for A. P. Hill had been worsted. That part of the Fed-
eral line which Iverson's Brigade, including the Twelfth Regi-
ment, assaulted, is easily described. It ran upon the top of the
ridge, almost due north and south, about five hundred and fifty
yards, with its extreme right on the Mummasburg road (which
runs out of Gettysburg northwest from that town), and with its
left regiment resting upon a piece of timber land. Two-thirds
of the line was protected by a substantial rock fence, commencing
on the Mummasburg road. The other part of the line had no
rock wall in its front, but the ground fell abruptly to the east,
thereby affording good cover and protection to the troops there.
The rock wall, which now stands at that part of the line, along
the left of the Federal line, was put there after the battle. Mr.
Sheads, who owns the ground there, and who owned it at the
time of the battle of Gettysburg, makes that statement. Mr.
Sheads has built a residence on the spot occupied by the Ninety-
seventh New York, and furnishes to visitors to that part of the
battlefield wine made from grapes grown where the Twelfth
North Carolina left some of its dead. The troops which occu-
pied the Federal line faced to the west, and were Baxter's Bri-
gade, of Robinson's 'Division, First Corps; the Ninetieth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, with its right on the Mummasburg
road; next, toward the south, the Twelfth Massachusetts Vol-
unteers; next. Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers; next.
Eighty-third New York Volunteers; next. Eleventh Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, and then Ninety-seventh New York Volun-
teers. Iverson's line was composed of the Fifth North Carolina
Twelfth Regiment. 635
on the left; next, Twentieth North Carolina; next, the Twenty-
third North Carolina, and the Twelfth North Carolina on the
right. General Rodes' order was that Battle's Brigade should
go in and support Iverson's left. Battle's Brigade (a part only,
as General Rodes reported) went in in confusion, and was re-
pulsed quickly. Baxter, witnessing this advance o£ Battle's
Brigade, rrioved the Ninetieth Pennsylvania to the Mummas-
burg road, and faced it to the northwest (Battle's Brigade ad-
vancing from the northwest), and it, with the Twelfth Massa-
chusetts, repulsed Battle's men. The Ninetieth Pennsylvania
was then carried back to its original position in anticipation of
Iverson's assault, which was then coming on. There was not a
bush nor a tree between the place where Iverson formed and the
Federal line, a distance of nearly half a, mile. The brigade was
put in on a false alignment, in a northeast and southwest line,
while the enemy's line was almost due north and south. The
troops bounded forward, not knowing certainly where the enemy
was, for his whole line, with every flag, was concealed behind
the rock wall on their right and center and the drop in the ground
on their left. Not one of them was to be seen. The other regi-
ments of Iverson's Brigade got within very close range of the
enemy- before the Twelfth was well up, owing to the align-
ment of the brigade, as already stated, when the Federals raised
up from their position and poured a deadly volley into the Fifth,
Twentieth and Twenty-third and the two left companies of the
Twelfth. The Ninetieth Pennsylvania and the Twelfth Massa-
chusetts, which had been relieved from pressure in their front by
the repulse of Battle's Brigade, got a raking cross and flank fire
on the left of Iverson, and, the distance being very short, it was
most fatal all along the line. Mr. Sheads makes the statement
that members of the Sixteenth Maine and Ninety-fourth New
York, of Paul's Brigade, in visiting the battlefield, have told him
that they had a position almost on the right flank of the brigade,
at the edge of the woods, and sent several well-directed volleys into
Iverson's line, except as to the Twelfth, which had the protection
of a rise in the ground, behind which the men were lying.
636 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
When the Fifth and Twentieth Kegiments had gotten at the dis-
tance of eighty yards in front of the Federal line the Eighty-
eighth Pennsylvania, the Eighty-third New York and the
Ninety-seventh New York advanced from the wall and captured
about three hundred prisoners. Eighty yards, exactly, due west
from the position of the Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania, a stone has
been placed, on which it is inscribed that that regiment advanced
to that point and captured two flags and a number of prisoners.
On the monument to the Eighty-third New York is engraved as
follows: "Engaged on this ground July 5, 1863, 1 P. M. to 3
p. M., assisting in capturing Iverson's North Carolina Brigade,
C. S. A."; and on the Ninety-seventh New York monument is
this inscription: "Charged across between 1 and 3 P. M. to the
west, assisting in capturing Iverson's Brigade and securing flag
of Twentieth Regiment."
The loss of Iverson's Brigade was reported at five hundred
and twelve killed and wounded and three hundred and eight
missing. The losses were greater than as reported. There was
so much consternation, so much confusion, that the survivors, at
the time, could not know who were killed, or who were wounded,
or who were taken prisoners. Instantly the remnant of the
brigade left the field and went on into the town. At Carlisle, the
day before the battle, the reports showed that there were present
for duty one thousand three hundred and fifty-six men and one
hundred and fourteen officers. If three hundred and eight be the
true number captured, and that is about the number claimed by
the Federals, when they come down to figures, the loss in killed
and wounded must have greatly exceeded five hundred and
twelve, for there were not more than three hundred and fifty or
four hundred men with the brigade after the battle.
In the lowest part of the dei)ression, in the rear of the battle-
ground of Iverson's Brigade, four shallow pits were dug by the
pioneers, in which were buried the dead of that brigade. The,
surface of these pits is to be easily distinguished this day from
surrounding ground on account of the more luxuriant growth of
the grass and crops' over them. Mr. Forney, who owned the
Twelfth Regiment. 637
ground on which the battle was fought, and who still owns it,
and the writer of this sketch, two years ago, with pointers in
their hands, traced with ease and certainty the edges of these pits
as they walked around them. Mr. Forney said that the place
was then known^ throughout the neighborhood, as the "Iverson
Pits," and that for years after the battle there was a superstitious
terror in regard to the field, and that it was with difficulty that
laborers could be kept at work there on the approach of night on-
that account. Of that battle General Rodes officially reported :
"Iverson's left being thus exposed (by the repulse of Battle's
Brigade), heavy loss was inflicted upon his brigade. His men
fought and died like heroes. His dead lay iu a distinctly marked
line of battle. His left was overpowered, and many of his men,
being surrounded, were captured." General Ewell, in his report,
said : "The left of Iverson's Brigade was thus exposed, but these
gallant troops obstinately stood their ground till the greater part
of three regiments had fallen where they stood in line of battle.
A few of them, being entirely surrounded, were taken prisoners.
A few escaped." Iverson's men were uselessly sacrificed. The
enemy's position was not known to the troops. The alignment
of the brigade was a false one, and the men were left to die with-
out help or guidance. All of the field officers were killed or
disabled. The brigade commander, General Alfred Iverson, did
not go at any time on the fighting field, and after the battle was
transferred to some other command.
The Twelfth Regiment fared better than the others because of
its being protected by a slight rise of the ground in its front,
though the loss of its left companies was severe. Lieutenant-
Colonel Davis, then in command of the regiment, gave the fol-
lowing account of what occurred after the repulse of the brigade :
"Seeing the position, I at once moved by the right flank to a
little bottom in a wheat field. On my left there was a gap made
as far as I could see. On the right there was a considerable gap
between us and Daniel's Brigade. I was left alone without any
orders (our general in the rear, and never coming up), with no
communication with right or left, and with only one hundred
638 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
and seventy-five men confronting several thousand. Fortunately
for us, there was in our front a rock bluff, covered with woods,
through which the line of battle of the enemy extended, and
they had no line of pickets in front. Occasionally I saw a vi-
dette run out to the margin and run back. Here we remained
in suspense, but no order came from any source. In the mean-
time I could hear the firing on my left, and also on my right, by
A. P. Hill's men beyond the railroad. Then the thought oc-
curred to me, 'the men in our front are listening to the firing on
both their flanks, and if we could get up into the woods and sur-
prise them with a charge and a yell they would run.' As soon
as I conceived the idea I made it known to the company com-
manders, and I sent Lieutenant William M. Sneed, of Townsville
Guards, with fifteen picked skirmishers, to advance into the
woods without noise, and halt in forty yards of the enemy's line.
The regiment was then to advance, and when reaching the picket
line all were to charge rapidly and yell loudly. Our success
was marvelous. So completely surprised were the enemy that
they fled in confusion without firing a gun. The center being
thus broken, the panic extended right and left to both flanks till
all were falling back in converging lines to Gettysburg. (The
flanks may possibly have been driven back some before the
center was broken)." And that last is exactly what had hap-
pened. The line of the Eleventh Federal Corps was almost at
a right angle with that of the First Corps and faced to the
north. The left of the Eleventh Corps lacked four hundred
yards of connecting with the First Corps. Early and Doles had
driven back the Eleventh Corps and Doles was finding his way
through that gap in the Federal line and to the right flank and
rear of Baxter and Paul's Brigade of the First Corps. This
having been seen by the Federal commander of the field, the
whole Federal army was ordered to retreat through Gettysburg
and to the hills beyond. This was fortunately so, for if it had
been otherwise there would have been little left of the Twelfth
Regiment. General Rodes, in his official report of the battle,
spoke iu high terms of the regiment by name, and upon the re-
Twelfth Regiment. 639
turn of the army to Virginia publicly complimented it for its
behavior at Gettysburg. In that battle Color-bearer Casper
Gregory was wounded and disabled, Sergeant-major Robards
was most dangerously wounded, and so was Lieutenant N. S.
Moseleyj also Lieutenants J. M. B. Hunt and B. M. Collins
were wounded there, the latter in three places.
On the roll of Company F (Warren Guards) there appeared
in order the names of Turner Allen, Daniel Allen, P. H. Allen,
Hugh J. Allen and Austin Allen. They were the children of
two brothers. Turner, Daniel and Hugh were brothers. In the
battle of Gettysburg, Daniel was killed; at Malvern Hill, Turner
was killed, and at Chancellorsville, Hugh was killed. Austin
was wounded at Gettysburg and Peter at Spottsylvania, 12th of
May, 1864, and was for years disabled from the wound.
On the retreat at Hagerstown the Twelfth, guarding the wagon
train, had a stiiF fight, in which Captain M. F. Taylor was mor-
tally wounded. He was succeeded by Lieutenant J. M. B. Hunt
as Captain.
In a few days after the return of the army to Virginia, Gen-
eral Lee marched for the position on the south side of the
Eapidan, near Orange Court House. There was quiet and re-
cuperation until the movement of General Lee, on the 9th of
October, to flank Meade out of his position around Culpeper.
On that march five companies of the Twelfth, under Lieutenant-
Colonel Davis,|and the Fifth and Twenty-third Regiments crossed
the Rapidan at Raccoon Ford, and the other five companies, under
Colonel Coleman, and the Twentieth Regiment crossed at Morton's
Ford. During the day the detachment under Lieutenant-Colonel
Davis made a beautiful charge upon a battery and its support
at Stevensburg. Colonel Garrett, in command, highly praised
the detachment and the Fifth and Twenty-third for their con-
duct. Lieutenant J. T. Gregory and private Robert J. Day
were oflScially mentioned for gallant conduct in the skirmish at
the crossing at Morton's Ford. With the exception of the Mine
Run incident the army had rest during that winter. Sometime
in February or March, 1864, the Twelfth, with the balance of
640 NoETH Carolina Troops; 1861-'65.
the brigade, was sent to guard the bridges over the Annas. No
incident was connected with that service except the attempt to
overtake the raiding party around Richmond under Dahlgren.
THE WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN.
On the night of the 4th of May, 1864, the Union army,
under Meade, General Grant present, of one hundred thousand
men, to be presently re-inforced by Burnside's Corps of twenty
thousand, quietly crossed the Rapidan at Germania and Ely's
Fords. Grant had no plans except to flank Lee out of his in-
trenched position on Mine Run and to fight him somewhere be-
tween the river and Richmond, "if he would stand." He said
in his ofiicial report that one of his purposes was "to hammer
continuously against the armed forces of the enemy and his re-
sources, until by mere attrition, if in no other way, there should
be nothing left to him but an equal submission * * * to the Con-
stitution and laws of the land." The Wilderness campaign, as
to its first battle, commenced on the evening of the 5th and ended
on the night of the 19th. After that last date Grant moved
again toward the east, and on by the Annas, reached Cold Har-
bor, where, on the early morning of the 3d of June the closing
battle was made by Grant on the Confederate intrenched line at
Cold Harbor. The whole assaulting columns were in less than
a quarter of an hour broken to piecesand flying for cover. An
order for a renewal was disobeyed both by the commanders of
divisions and by the men. The Union losses during the month
had been more than Lee's army cumbered at the opening of this
campaign. That was one of the most celebrated campaigns in
all history, and at its close General Lee easily took his place as
one of the great soldiers of the nineteenth century.
The Twelfth Regiment, with Johnston's Brigade, left Taylors-
ville at 11 o'clock on the morning of the 4th of May, and in
twenty-three hours, without bivouac, marched sixty-six miles.
It was engaged in the movement under General J. B. Gordon, with
his brigade, in a successful attack on the extreme right of Grant —
Sedgwick's Corps. During the 7th both armies enjoyed a rest^
Twelfth Regiment. 641
and during the night Grant tried to steal a march by his left to
Richmond by way of Spottsylvania Court House and Fredericks-
burg. Lee, aware of the march, marched also, and early on the
morning of the 9th, Anderson, with his division, was at the
Court House and soon covered the strategic points. Johnston's
Brigade made a reconnaissance and became engaged with Burn-
side on the 9th, meeting with severe loss. The Confederate army
was soon iu position, with the Union forces confronting. On
the 8th, while on the march, Johnston's Brigade, in which was
the Twelfth Regiment, was transferred to Early's Division.
The men were much troubled over losing their identity with
Hill's — Rodes' Division. Early was assigned temporarily to
the command of Hill's Corps and Gordon to the command of
Early's Division. In the battle of the 10th Johnston's Brigade
was a part of Early's Division, under the command of Gordon.
Doles had been driven out by this assault and the Federal line
was still advancing when Johnston's Brigade was formed and
thrown across its path and ordered to charge. From some un-
accountable reason the Federals, though flushed with victory,
made a feeble resistance. Lieutenant-Colonel Davis, then in
command of the Twenty-third Regiment, gives this account of
that battle :
"The enemy had placed themselves in our breastworks and at
this point, in front of the Twelfth Regiment, had come over and
were about to turn some of our abandoned guns upon us. It
was the feeblest charge I ever saw to succeed. The yell must
have given the panic to the enemy. Certainly we were few and
by no' means to be dreaded. They could have easily shot down
the last one of us if they had remained."
In the great battle of the 12th of May the Twelfth took a
most active part. Its battle was in the woods at the base of the
horse-shoe salient. When Johnson's Division was captured in
the salient Johnston's Brigade was in reserve, near the Harris
house, and was instantly ordered toward the firing by General
Gordon. He had not heard of the enemy's success and could
41
642 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-'65.
not see or learn anything on account of the dense fog and the
very early hour, just beginning of dawn. In this condition of
things the Twelfth, with Johnston's Brigade, met suddenly in
the woodland between the McCool house and the base of the
salient the advancing enenay. The overpowering force of the
enemy drove Johnston back, after one of the bloodiest scenes
of the war. The ground was strewn with the dead and dying of
the regiment and the brigade. Upon arrival of re-inforcements
the brigade reformed and renewed the battle. The regiment
was also engaged in the battle of the 19th. No official report
of the losses of the Twelfth in this campaign has been pub-
lished, but the losses were furnished to the Richmond papers by
Lieutenant B. M. Collins, who had been assigned to the duties
of Adjutant upon the wounding and capture of Adjutant Greg-
ory on the 12th, and published soon after the battle. More than
two-thirds of the regiment were killed and wounded. It is re-
membered that Adjutant Gregory was wounded and captured;
that Ensign John W. Arrington was killed; that Captains Y. M.
Wilfong, of Company A, and Robert L. Williams, of Company
K, were killed; that Lieutenant Samuel T. Alston, of Company
K, was killed; that Captains John R. Turnbull, of Company F,
and Plato Durham, of Company E, and Sterling Briekell, of
Company G, were wounded, the last named dangerously; that
Captain Kitchin, of Company I, was captured, and that Lieu-
tenants P. G. Alston, of Company K, T. J. Pitehford, of Company
I, and N. S. Mosely, of Company F, were wounded, the last
named dangerously. Colonel H. E. Coleman was here also
wounded and disabled. Colonel Coleman was a good officer,
and he bore a high reputation for honor and courage. His ap-
pointment to the colonelcy of the Twelfth Regiment by the Presi-
dent was a great injustice to deserving officers who had long
served with the regiment. He had been captain in one of the
companies, originally Company F, but being considered a too
strict disciplinarian, he was defeated for re-election in May, 1862,
and retired to private life. A year afterwards he was appointed
Lieutenant-Colonel of the Twelfth over competent officers who
Twelfth Regiment. 643
had been in battle at Hanover, Cold Harbor, Malvern Hill,
Boonsboro, Fredericksburg and Chanfeellorsville. It happened
in this way : after the resignation of Colonel "Wade and Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Jones a majority, probably, of the company officers
recommended the appointment of Colonel Ruffiu, of the
Thirteenth North Carolina, to be Colonel, and exvCaptain Cole-
man to be Lieutenant-Colonel. Colonel Ruffin promptly declined
the suggestion, and General D. H. Hill, upon learning that
Captain Coleman was in civil life, refused to recommend his
appointment.
Nothing was further heard of this matter in camp, and every
one thought it was dropped, and Captain W. S. Davis, of Com-
pany C, as has been said, was elected Lieutenant-Colonel just
after the battle at Chancellorsville and had received his commis-
sion. Lieutenant- Colonel Davis gives the following account of
the matter: "I was in command of the Twelfth, and on the way
into Pennsylvania in 1863. Before we reached the Potomac, Gen-
eral Iversou sent for me at his tent and told me that he had pa-
pers from the War Department informing him that Coleman had
been commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel and, as his commission
dated back to 1862, it was older than my commission as Lieu-
tenant-Colonel, and therefore Coleman would be entitled to the
colonelcy. Pfelt outraged and indignant. I said to him that I
would never surrender the command of the regiment to Coleman
unless I saw the commission in his hands. He did not then
have the commission." After the return of the regiment to
Virginia, Coleman's commission arrived. Colonel Davis con-
tinues: "General Ramseur, who was a very warm friend of
mine, came to me of his own accord and begged me not to resign,
although I had said nothing about resigning, and said to me: 'I
will see to it that you shall never be under Coleman,' and I never
was. When Coleman assumed command of the Twelfth I was
orderM to take command of the Twenty-third Regiment. When
Coleman, for any reason, was not present with the Twelfth, I
was put back in command." In explanation of the assignment of
Lieutenant-Colonel Davis to the command of the Twenty-third
644 NoETH Carolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
Regiment, the following facts should be stated : At the battle
of Gettysburg, July 1st, the Colonel of the regiment, Daniel H.
Christie, was mortally wounded and died shortly afterwards.
Lieutenant-Colonel Robert D. Johnston was badly wounded there,
as was also Major C. C. Blacknall, and also Abner D. Peace,
the senior captain. Shortly after the battle Lieutenant-Colonel
Johnston was made a brigadier-general, and on the 8th of Sep-
tember following was assigned to the command of Iverson's
Brigade, and Major Blacknall, after having been promoted to
the colonelcy of that regiment, was killed at the battle of Win-
chester, September 19, 1864.
There was not a better soldier in the Army of Northern Vir-
ginia of his rank than Lieutenant- Colonel Davis, nor a braver
man, or a cooler one in time of battle. He distinguished himself
in every battle in which he participated, and he justly felt
aggrieved at his treatment. Though he was but Lieutenant-
Colonel at the battle of Belle Grove in the year following, he
was in that battle put in command of Hoke's Brigade and dis-
tinguished himself. He lost his right arm in that battle. Major
Robert W. Alston, too, over whom Colonel Coleman was pro-
moted, was as brave a soldier and as noble a man as was in the
army, and bears on his person a number of wounds. He was
dangerously wounded several times. There must have been some-
body engaged in that transaction who had political influence with
the Government at Richmond.
General Robert D. Johnston was a splendid figure in the lead-
ership of his brigade in the battle of the 12th. His conduct was
heroic, and he thoroughly understood the situation. He was
wounded there, and for a while the brigade was under the com-
mand of Colonel T. F. Toon, of the Twentieth Regiment, that
oflicer having been made temporary Brigadier-General. On ac-
count of sickness. General Lee relieved General Ewell on May
30, 1864, and. placed General Early in command of the Sfecond
Corps. On the 27th, Ramseur was assigned to the command of
Early's Division.
Twelfth Regiment. 645
VALLEY CAMPAIGN OF 1864.
On the 13th of June at 3 A. m., Early, with the divisions of
Rodes, Ramseur and Gordon, started for Lynchburg to meet
Hunter, who was advancing upon Richmond from that direc-
tion. He arrived just in time to save the city and then drove
Hunter across to Salem and into the mountains, while he
turned toward Washington. Captain J. A. Drake was badly
wounded at Lynchburg. Breckinridge had joined Early at
Lynchburg, and on the 27th the combined forces had reached
Staunton. On the 28th they moved down the Valley turn-
pike, and on the 9th of July a bloody victory was won by the
Confederates at Monocacy Bridge. On the 11th the Confeder-
ates were in sight of the dome at Washington. The delay caused
by the stubborn defense of General Lew Wallace at Monocacy had
given the United States authorities time to bring up re-inforce-
ments from Grant's army. An attack upon Wasliington was
deemed too hazardous under the circumstances, and on the night
of the 12th Early recrossed the Potomac at White's Ford. By
the 17th his whole force was on the west of the Shenandoah,
near Castleraan's Ferry. During the next two months there
was a great deal of marching and counter-marching, with a good
many incidents well calculated to shake the confidence of the men
in their commander.
On the 20th of July, three miles beyond Winchester, Ram-
seur's Division, while on the march, was suddenly attacked on
the flank by Averill's Cavalry Division and almost stampeded.
At this mishap Orderly Sergeant A. R. Pitcher, of Company F,
was killed. He was born in the isle of Guernsey.
BATTLE OF WINCHESTER.
On^the morning of the 19th of September the force of Early
was divided. Ramseur was on the Berryville tui-apike, a short
distance out from Winchester, two divisions were at Bunker
Hill, and the other at Stevens' Depot, four miles away. Sheri-
646 NoETH Carolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
dan availed himself of this separation of Early's forces and
attacked fiercely early on that morning. Johnston's Brigade
•was in an advanced position and received the brunt of the
attack. The men of the Twelfth did good work from behind
a slight protection of rails, and the first assault was repulsed.
The brigade had an isolated position, and the overwhelming
numbers of the enemy drove us back. As it moved back the
conduct of the brigade was very handsome. General Bradley
Johnson was in command of the cavalry force supporting Ram-
seur and started at once to his assistance. He gives a thrilling
account of what he witnessed :
"There was not a fence, nor a house, nor a bush, nor a tree
to obscure the view. Away off, more than two rfliles, we could
see the crest of the hill, covered with a cloud of Yankee cavalry,
and five hundred yards in front of them was a thin gray line
moving off in retreat, solidly and with perfect coolness and self-
possession. As soon as I got to realize what was going on, I
quickened our gait, and when within a mile broke into a gallop.
The'scene was as plain as day. A regiment of cavalry would
deploy into line, their bugles would sound the charge, and they
would swoop down on the thin gray line of North Carolinians.
The instant the Yankee bugle sounded North Carolina would halt,
face to the rear rank, wait until the horses got within one hundred
yards, and then fire as deliberately and coolly as if firing volleys .
on parade drill. The cavalry would break and scamper back,
and North Carolina would 'about-face' and continue her march
in retreat as solemnly, stubbornly and with as much discipline
and dignity as if marching in review. But we got there just in
time. Cavalry aids the Tar-heels. Certainly half a dozen
charges had been made at the retreating thin gray line, and each
and every time the charging squadrons had been driven back,
when the enemy sent his line with a rush at the brigade of Tar-
heels, and one squadron overlapped the infantry line and was
just passing it when we got up. In another minute they would
have been behind the line, sabering the men from (he rear, while
they were held by the fight in front ; but we struck a headlong
Twelfth Eegiment. 647
strain and went through the Yankees by the flank of North
Carolina, and carried their adversaries back to the crest of the
hill, back through the guns of their battery, clear back to their
infantry lines. In a moment they rallied and were charging us
in front and on both flanks, and back we went in a hurry, but
the thin gray line of old North Carolina was safe. They had
gotten back to the rest of the infantry and formed a line at right
angles to the pike, west of Winchester."
When the whole Confederate line was in a retreat after the
battles of the day the Twelfth was with the other regiments of
the brigade, under good control and full of fight.
Lieutenant M. M. Ward, of Company C, was killed here.
His brother, Samuel Alston Ward, had been killed at Chancel-
lorsville, and his name was placed upon the roll of honor for
gallantry in that battle.
BATTLE OF CEDAR CREEK OR BELLE GROVE.
This battle was excellently planned and most successfully exe-
cuted in every detail. At about 5 o'clock on the morning of the
19th of October, with great precision and without any orders
further than had been made when the plan was formed, the three
simultaneous attacks began on Sheridan's army, which lay in
fortified camps on the north bank of Cedar Creek, a very exposed
position. At or about sunrise the divisions of Kershaw and
Gordon were in possession of the camps of the Eighteenth and
Nineteenth Corps, with large numbers of prisoners, many pieces
of artillery and all their trains. The other divisions had attacked
the Sixth Corps, and in a few hours the whole Federal army had
been driven two miles beyond Middletown ; but from fear of
the enemy's cavalry, and refusing to believe that the Sixth Corps
was badly beaten, General Early halted his lines.
Within a short time the, men could not be controlled. In
great numbers they took to the camps of the enemy in search of
sutlers' stores and other booty. By 4 o'clock in the afternoon
the Federal lines had been reformed, and a general advance was
648 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
made upon the Confederate lines. It was a feeble movement
and could have been resisted with ease.
The Confederate lines had been very much thinned from
straggling and the plundering of the captured camps of the enemy,
and in addition, by some unaccountable fatality, a panic ensued
and a general rout and stampede took place. The Confederates
were posted as follows : Gordon on the left, next Kershaw, next
Eamseur (who had been put in command of Rodes' Division
after the death of that officer at Winchester a month before), next
Pegram, in command of Ramseur's former division, up to and
beyond the turnpike, and Wharton on the right of the turnpike.
General Early, in his official report, said :
* ^ ^ :>r: ^ * ^
"So many of our men had stopped in the camp to plunder (in
which I am sorry to say that officers participated), the country
was so very open and the enemy's cavalry so strong, that I did
not deem it prudent to press further, especially as Lomax had
not come up. * * * "VVe continued to hold our position until
late in the afternoon, when the enemy commenced advancing and
was driven back on the right center by Ramseur; but Gordon's
Division on the left subsequently gave way, and Kershaw's and
Ramseur's did also when they found Gordon's giving way, not
because there was any pressure on them, but from an insane idea
of being flanked. * * * I found it impossible to rally the troops.
They would not listen to intreaties or appeals of any kind. A
fear of the enemy's cavalry had seized them and there was no
holding them. They left the field in the greatest confusion."
Robert D.Johnston's Brigade, however, did not take the panic.
From its position near the turnpike the men witnessed the ap-
palling scene on the left, but they remained unmoved until
General Early ordered them to retreat. They kept their order
until they were swallowed up by the panic-stricken army at the
bridge over the creek. Major Alston was shot through the
mouth and jaw from his horse while trying to do something to
cover the retreating army. Captain Kemp Plummer had been
Twelfth Regiment. 649
brevetted major and put in command of the Twenty-third Regi-
ment, and was also wounded. Captain A. F. Spencer, of Com-
pany D, was seriously wounded also.
At New Market, a few days afterwards, General Pegram had
Johnston's Brigade drawn out in the open field and compli-
mented the men in the presence of other troops for their splendid
conduct during the panic at Belle Grove.
There was a cause or causes for the dreadful work of that day
deeper than appears upon the surface. The troops suspected
General Early's capacity as a commauder and he doubted their
courage and had no confidence in the field and company officers.
In his report of the battle he said : "The truth is, we have very
few field or company officers worth anything, almost all our good
officers of that kind having been killed, wounded or captured,
and it is impossible to preserve discipline without good field and
company officers." The men believed he was addicted to drink,
they knew they had never had a fair chance for victory, and
they knew they had always been beaten in detail. General Lee
also shared the opinion of the men that they had been fought in
detachments. On the 27th of September, after learning of his
defeat at Winchester, he wrote to that officer : " You must do
all in your power to invigorate your army. Get back all
absentees; maneuver so, if you can, as to keep the enemy in
check until you can strike him with all your strength. As for
as I can judge at this distance, you have operated more with di-
visions than with your concentrated strength." In the same let-
ter General Lee said: "The men are all good, and only require
instruction and discipline. The enemy's forces cannot be so
greatly superior to yours. His effective infantry, I do not think,
exceeds twelve thousand men." But General Lee was greatly
in error in his estimate of Sheridan's strength.
On the 10th of September the Federal army had present for
duty, by the official report signed by Sheridan, forty-one thousand
eight hundred and seventy-six men, of which number six thou-
sand four hundred and seventy-five were cavalry. The cavalry
was very efficient and very aggressive. Early's effective strength
650 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
at that time was not more than about ten thousand and never
exceeded twelve thousand five hundred during the campaign, as
will be seen from the published official reports of General Early.
With the defeat of Early at Belle Grove there was no further
serious fighting in the Valley, and in December the divisions left
for Richmond and Petersburg. Pegram's Division, with which
was the Twelfth Regiment, took up quarters near Hatcher'a
Run and participated in the battle at that place on February
6, 1865, acquitting itself handsomely. General Pegram was
killed there, and his division was afterwards placed under the
command of General James Walker, its last division commander.
After, the battle of Hatcher's Run the Twelfth Regiment spent
more than a month on duty upon Roanoke River in the eifort
to prevent desertions from Lee's army, and was called from that
point immediately to take part in the storming of Fort Steadman
on Hare's Hill at Petersburg on March 25,1865. It arrived
at Petersburg on the night of the 24th. It suffered severely in
that battle, and among the losses it is recalled that Captain John
Turnbull was wounded and captured and Major R. W. Alston
most dangerously wounded. Major Plummer was also wounded,
but did not leave the field. In that battle Captain Edward T.
Nicholson, the Brigade Adjutant-General, having been killed
and Aids Johnston and Davis wounded and disabled, Lieutenant
B. M. Collins, who had been acting as Adjutant of the regiment
since May 12, 1864, was appointed Adjutant-General of the
brigade, and was serving in this capacity at the surrender. During
the year 1864 that officer did not miss a day's service.
The Twelfth took part in the battle in the trenches around
Petersburg on the 2d of April. The point was south of the
city, where a portion of Grimes' thin line had been driven out.
A charge of Johnston's Brigade cleared the works of the enemy,,
and the whole line there was soon in the possession again of the
Confederates. Major Pluramer was badly wounded here while
in charge of the regiment, and Lieutenant John A. Snow lost an
arm in this battle. On the night of the 2d the regiment left the
works with the army. Captain Plato Durham was in command.
Twelfth Eegiment. 651
and at Appomattox signed the paroles of the members of the
regiment who were present. The regiment fought excellently
well at Amelia Court House, and maintained its order until that
untoward day at Sailor's Creek, where it fought gallantly, but,
with the whole of the Second Corps, was badly broken. On the
next day, however, it was in fairly good shape. Lieutenant
Martin Shearin, of Company I, was wounded at Sailor's Creek,
and died from amputation of his leg.
At Appomattox the Twelfth, with the other regiments of the
brigade, after having passed through the town shortly after sun-
rise, formed line of battle on the left of the Lynchburg road and
made its last charge to and into a piece of woods upon a line
of dismounted cavalry. The enemy had the advantage of partial
protection from rail piles, but he was driven off. The men still
showed pluck and the charge was made with spirit.
There were present at the surrender of the Twelfth one hun-
dred and twenty-one non-commissioned officers and men, as fol-
lows: Twenty-six of Company A, seventeen of Company B,
eighteen of Company C, five of Company D, twenty-nine of
Company E, fourteen of Company F, three of Company G, ten
of Company H, two of Company I, and seven of Company K.
Seventy-six of these had guns in their hands, according to the
certificate of Plato Durham, the captain commanding the regi-
ment. Of the regimental staff there were present John W. Law-
son, Surgeon, and George A. Penny, Assistant Surgeon; J. A.
Deal, Ordnance Sergeant; R. A. Bullock, Commissary Sergeant,
and L. P. Arrington, Quartermaster Sergeant. Of the regi-
mental line officers there were present Lieutenants J. C. Harper,
of Company H; B. F. Logan, of Company E; W. B. Flem-
ming, of Company C, and Walter A. Montgomery, of Company
F. The brigade was in command of Colonel John W. Lea, of
the Fifth Eegiment, General Johnston having suffered an injury
at Fort Steadman which incapacitated him for service Of the
brigade staff there were present Captain B. M. Collins, Acting Ad-
jutant-General, and J. S. Northington, Brigade Quartermaster.
There were enrolled in the regiment during the war about one
652 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
thousand four hundred men. One-tenth, at least, of these were de-
tailedfor special service, discharged for sickness, or were suffering
from chronic sickness, and were therefore non-combatants. After
the most painstaking care and inquiry, the losses of the regiment
may be stated, reasonably, to have been about four hundred and
seventy-five, nearly equally divided between those who were
killed and mortally wounded and those who died from sickness.
Among the company officers who died of disease the following
are remembered : Captain W. H. Blount, Captain S. 8. Vick,
Lieutenants W. F. Sherrell, J. J. Harden and J. W. Mayfield.
Walter A. Montgomery.
Raleigh, N. 0.,
9 April, 1900.
THIRTEENTn HEGIMENT.
1. A. M. Scales, Colonel.
2. E. B. Withers, Lieat.-Colonel.
3. G. P. Dailey, Captain, Co. K.
4. E, S. Williams, Captain, Co. I.
5. J. W. Williamson, Captain, Co. D.
6. T. L. Eavvley, 1st Lieut., Co. K.
THIRTEENTH REGIMENT.
By captain R. S. WILLIAMS, Company I.
When the State of North Carolioa seceded everything was in
a commotion and excitement ran high. Such men as A. M.
Scales, Thomas Settle, Dr. Baily, and in fact every man that
could make a speech was in the field and on the stump. The
fife and drum could be heard in every town and at every cross-
roads in Rockingham county. Company after company was
organized. In the month of April, 1861, Captain A. M. Scales,
Captain Thomas Settle, Captain Pink Baily from Lawsonville,
all succeeded in organizing crack companies and were received
by the Governor and commissioned. Company H, Captain A.
M. Scales ; First Lieutenant, Henry McGehee ; Second Lieu-
tenant, John Scales ; Third Lieutenant, David Settle. Company
L, Captain Thomas Settle ; First Lieutenant, Chalmers Glenn ;
Second Lieutenant, E. W. Handcock ; Third Lieutenant, R. H.
Ward. The writer of this sketch enlisted and served during
the first fifteen months as a private. These three companies
were sent to Garysburg to a camp of instruction and were under
the command of W. D. Pender, that noble and brave soldier
who greatly distinguished himself later on. While at Garysburg,
N. C, ten companies organized themselves into what was then the
Third Regiment North Carolina Volunteers of twelve months,
and May 16, 1861, elected W. D. Pender, Colonel; W. S. Guy,
Lieutenant Colonel, and D. H. Hamilton, Major. The Third
Volunteer Regiment was composed of ten companies, viz.:
Company A — Captain John A. Graves, Caswell.
Company B — Captain A. A. Erwin, Mecklenburg.
Company C — Captain James T. Mitchell, Caswell.
Company D — Captain John T. Hambrick, Caswell.
654 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Company E — Captain Thomas Ruffin, Alamance.
Company F — Captain Jesse A. Clement, Davie.
Company G — Captain J. H. Hyman, Edgecombe.
Company H — Captain A. M. Scales, Rockingham.
Company I — Captain Thomas Settle, Rockingham.
Company K — Captain G. Pink Baily, Rockingham.
The above ten companies with Colonel W. D. Pender consti-
tuted, at that time, one thousand and fifty men, and they were
known as the Third Volunteers. They were sworn in for
twelve months. Very soon ten regiments took the oath for the
whole war, after which this regiment was known as the Thir-
teenth North Carolina Troops, and was stationed at Suifolk,Va.,
until the last of June, 1861. It then marched to Ragged Island
and camped at an old church called Ben's, six miles south of
Smithfield, Va., and did picket duty along the James River,
opposite Newport News, until the month of April, 1862, when
General Colston, with the Third Virginia and Thirteenth North
Carolina,, was sent across from Smithfi^eld to the north side of
the James River and joined General Magruder's forces at York-
town, Va., about the 13th of April. During the month of Sep-
tember, 1861, Colonel Pender had resigned his commission as Col-
onel of the Thirteenth Regiment, and was assigned to Fisher's old
regiment (Sixth North Carolina) at Manassas. Captain A. M.
Scales, after several days' balloting, was elected (October 11,
1861) Colonel of the Thirteenth Regiment, and was in com-
mand at Yorktown and on the retreat up the Peninsula. We
never can forget our stay at Yorktown. It rained incessantly
and we were wet all the time we were there. During our stay
there the Confederate Congress passed the Conscript Act, which
took every man from eighteen to thirty-five years; those under
and over that age were exempt. Then came (April, 1862)
the reorganization of all volunteer companies and regiments in
the Confederacy. Colonel A. M. Scales was re-elected; Thomas
Ruffin was elected Lieutenant-Colonel ; Captain Hambrick, of
Company D, Caswell county, was elected Major; Captain
Thomas Settle was unanimously re-elected Captain of Company I,
Thirteenth Regiment. 655
but refused to accept and went home. Chalmers Glenn was elected
Captain of Company I; R. H. Ward, First Lieutenant ; W. H.
Winchester, Second Lieutenant ; William C. Borough, Third
Lieutenant. Immediately after the reorganization the army which
had been under the command of General Magruder, but then
under the command of General J. E. Johnston, began to march
up the Peninsula. We left the works on Saturday night and
marched all night through the mud, in many places knee-deep,
and at dawn we were several miles on the road leading to
Williamsburg, Ya. At a large church, where another road
crossed ours, we could see to the right, toward the York River,
that'the road was packed with troops. Just coming in sight on
the left, towards the James, we saw troops in large masses,
which a little later on we found to be the enemy, but at the
time, in the early twilight, we supposed to be our troops. We
were being pushed on at a rapid rate. Finally we reached
Williamsburg, and notwithstanding a torrent of rain was then
falling, the lusty cheers that went up from the wet and ragged
troops would have terrified the enemy had they been a little
nearer. Our brigade was in the re?ir, and we could not imagine
what was the trouble in the front, but as we entered that ancient
burg we joined in the yells too, for it seemed to me that there
were more young ladies and prettier ones than we had ever seen.
Colston's Brigade and the old Thirteenth North Carolina were
marched into a small lot near the old female college and were
trying to make fires- as the rain was falling in sheets. A courier
came dashing up and called for General Colston. His brigade
was ordered right back through the town the way it had just
marched in. We were run about one mile to a piece of wooded
land on the left. In a little spot of cleared land we passed our
Brigadier sitting on his horse saying : " Hurry up ! Hurry up ! "
The Thirteenth was double-quicked across a little flat, up a
knoll, into an old fortification said to have been made by Lord
Cornwallis. Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Ruflfin was in com-
mand of the left wing of the Thirteenth Regiment. As stated,
it was a dark and rainy day. The writer of this sketch noticed
656 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
troops advancing through the woods in our front, and called to
Colonel Ruffin to know if they were not " Yanks." Some
wanted to fire on them. Colonel liuffin said: "No; hold on
until you get orders." He looked and satisfied himself and
called to his regiment to commence firing. The enemy all had
oil-cloth over their uniforms, which made it difficult to determine
to which side they belonged. So, when they heard the order to
commence firing and the men leveled their guns on them, the
officer in command stepped forward with uplifted hands and
cried out : " Hold your fire, for God's sake ! We are your
friends." We did so. The officer who stepped out gave the
command "Right half wheel !" which threw his left wing to the
center of the Thirteenth Regiment, and at the same time they
charged us after discharging their guns. It was a hand-to-hand
fight, which lasted but a few minutes. Only those from the center
to the left were engaged. Captain Baily, of Company K, was shot
and stabbed. Thomas Loftis, who is still living, was shot and
bayoneted too, but his Captain said that Loftis gave three of the
blues " their furloughs " before he fell. I do not know the cas-
ualties of the engagement. It was short but hot while it lasted.
This was the first engagement the Thirteenth had been in, and I
suppose no regiment ever met an enemy cooler. Not a man
moved except to the front. We were withdrawn from that
position late in the night and followed the retreating army of
Johnston and Beauregard all night through mud from ankle-
deep to waist-deep. The wagons mired down and a great
amount of our baggage had to be thrown off into the mud before
they could be got out. Some very amusing things happened.
My company had a man named Josiah K. McCoy who was a
sergeant. He got stuck in the mud so deep that he could not
move. He looked up and saw Colonel Ruffin dragging through
the mud on his horse. He called out: "Oh! Colonel, don't
leave me here, the Yanks will get me." " Who are you ?" said
the Colonel. " Sergeant Josiah K. McCoy," said the poor fellow.
Colonel Ruffin called out : " Company I, send a detail back and
pull Sergeant Josiah K. McCoy out of the mud ! " When the
Thirteenth Regiment. 657
detail reached him he was in up to his belt. On we came; on
and on ; finally we reached Richmond, Va., on Saturday night,
the exact date I do not remember, but we were one week on the
road, or in the mud. ♦
After a few days McClellan threw a corps of his troops across
the Chickahominy River on the Charles City road and advanced
to Seven Pines. About this time the army was reorganized.
The troops of each State were brigaded together. The Thir-
teenth was taken from Colston's Virginia Brigade and placed
under Brigadier-General Garland, who was in command at the
battle of Seven Pines. Garland was leading his brigade for-
ward across the field, when General D. H. Hill, our Major-Gen-
eral, dashed up and ordered him to deploy his brigade and rush
forward, stating that the enemy was strongly intrenched just
below "that natural fence in front of you," and added "there
is a Virginia brigade just from Norfolk that has refused to
advance beyond the fence; run over the cowards." The Thir-
teenth rushed forward under Colonel Scales. About two hun-
dred yards in front we found a ditch thrown up, with a hedge of
mock-orange on the embankment, which made a splendid
natural defense. There were the Norfolk troops. We did
as ordered. I remember stepping on a broad-backed fellow
where he lay, and he gave a good nudge and over the hedge
I bounded. About this time I looked around and saw that
the whole regiment was clear. We dashed down the slope.
The enemy turned loose their cannon, grape, canister, bombs,
rifle shot, and, in fact, it seemed like the air was full of
lead and cast-iron. When the enemy saw our determination
they beat a hasty retreat. We slept on the battlefield that night.
I was not in a position to learn the number of casualties. Next
morning the enemy were all on the east side of the Chickahominy
River, and we, the Thirteenth, in Garland's Brigade, were with-
drawn to within sight of Richmond. In a few days the enemy
recrossed the river and advanced up the Charles City road.
Garland's Brigade was sent out to meet them. The enemy com-
menced shelling us up the road. While the Thirteenth was lying
42
658 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
in a ditch, General Garland came up leading his horse along be-
hind the woeks and stopped just behind the Thirteenth and imme-
diately where I was. Soon the enemy got the range and sent a
bomb which passed between the General and his horse, then
another passed and exploded in his rear. We begged him to
come in, but he smiled and said: "You boys take care of your-
selves ; never mind me." He immediately ordered the Thir-
teenth forward, and we went about two hundred yards, when
we were halted and ordered to send videttes forward into the
thicket to recounoiter. Captain Ward, of Company I, asked if
any one would volunteer. I offered my services, provided some
one would give me a canteen of water. I think there were at
least a dozen canteens offered me at the same time. The only
Yank I saw down there all day was in the top of a tall pine
tree and I would not have seen him if he had not called to me
with a bullet from his rifle. The bullet struck the ground just
behind me, which made me know that he was above me. I
looked, and finally he shot the second time, and I found him by
the smoke from his gun ; he was astride a limb near the top of
a long-leaf pine. I waited for him to present arms the third
time; then I was ready also, and I took the first shot at a range
of one hundred and fifty yards. He dropped his gun, threw up
his hands, reeled back and fell some seventy-five feet, and I
heard him strike the ground. After dark I was sent for and
rejoined my regiment near Richmond again.
The next morning it was evident that the enemy was advanc-
ing all along the line. The whole of the army was marching
and counter-marching and taking positions. I am entirely at
sea with regard to dates, but will say that General D. H. Hill's
Division was sent around on the Mechanicsville road to join
General T. J. Jackson's Corps on the enemy's right flank. At
that time Garland's Brigade of North Carolina Troops, with the
Thirteenth was under D. H. Hill. We pushed along the line
to the extreme left. When we reached the Eichmond and
Mechanicsville road we heard heavy firing from musketry and
cannon. We advanced slowly down a long hill to the bot-
Thirteenth Regiment. 659
torn. The Thirteenth halted just where the road started up
grade. The firing was terrific down the creek just below us.
We heard the rebel yell. Within a few minutes a courier came
dashing up and reported that Colonel Pender, who was in com-
mand of a North Carolina brigade, had made a gallant charge
and driven the enemy across the creek at Gaines' Mill. Just at
this time Major Hambrick, of the Thirteenth, was sitting on his
horse across the road. The enemy had taken position on top of
the hill in front of us and turned loose some solid shot right
down the road which we occupied. The Major was reminded of
his danger, but said: "Attend to your business." About that
time a twenty-four-pound shot struck in the road some distance
from where we were, and the second bounce, struck the horse
just behind the Major's thigh and knocked the horse from under
him into the ditch, among us boys, as " dead as a door-nail."
The Major was badly bruised from the jar. He was sent back
to Richmond, where he resigned, and Captain Rogers, of Com-
pany D, was elected in his place. The Thirteenth advanced
slowly all night and skirmished with the enemy, who were fall-
ing back very stubbornly Next morning, June 28th, if memory
serves me, we found Stonewall Jackson's old command, which
had fought and won three grand victories over Banks, Shields
and Millroy in the Valley, and had left them to wonder while
he slipped up in McClellan's rear. The Thirteenth, then under
Garland and D. H. Hill, was with General Jackson. He led
us directly south to what is known as the Cold Harbor battle-
field. We encountered the enemy about 1 o'clock. They began
shelling the road. This was the first thing we knew; but, of
course. Generals Jackson and Hill knew where they were.
Garland's Brigade was double-quicked to the right of the road,
behind a clump of woods, to the head of a small boggy branch
and crossed over into a small cleared patch of land. Here
Colonel A. M. Scales formed the Thirteenth Regiment, ready to
advance. The enemy found us out and commenced shelling us
terribly. B. B. Styers, of Company I, was killed by a shell at
my left-hand. Just then General Hill came riding up and told
660 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
ColoDel Scales that the enemy were advancing on us through the
field, just over the fence, and to advance at once. At the top
of a steep hill, which was about ninety yards, there was a high
new fence. General Hill ordered us not to climb it, but to tear
it down, run over it and to charge the enemy. We marched
steadily up the bluff to the fence, every man seized the fence
and rushed against it and it fell as if a tornadp had struck it.
Down the hill we went, yelling and shooting like mad men.
The enemy ran like sheep before a pack of dogs. We were
pursuing them in a southerly course. General Hill had come
up where we had torn the fence down ; there he saw the enemy
on our left flank advancing and about to enfilade Garland's
Brigade. General Garland ordered a change of front. Colonel
Scales rushed in front of the Thirteenth Regiment, as cool as if
we had been on drill; his voice rang clear. He gave the com-
mand " Battalion, left half wheel ! " The old Thirteenth swung
aroung like a door on its hinges. By the time we fronted oar
new position the enemy were within one hundred and fifty yards
of us at a large dwelling-house and in position behind a fence
along the road, with their guns poked thnough the fence. There
we met the most galling storm of lead. We charged the fence
up a long slant and poured lead back at them as fast as we could
load, shoot and charge. Here again 1 am not able to give the
number of casualties of my regiment, but it was something ter-
rible. I know that in my company, which was Company I, at
the foot of the little hill one of my file at the right of the com-
pany, Yancey Coleman, fell, and next his brother Milton. Next
I saw Noel Rhodes fall. They were all killed. Ingraham
Rhodes fell wounded in the thigh, Mat. Apple was killed,
Micajah Warren fell. It seemed that all would be killed be-
fore we could dislodge the enemy. But on we went. When
we were within fifty feet of the fence a bomb exploded over our
heads so close to us that the concussion stunned me; I fell, and
was unconscious for three hours. When I regained my senses
the sun was setting and the enemy gone from the fence. The
dead and dying were all around me. Will Pinnix, of Company
Thirteenth Eegiment. 661
A, was lying across my legs, shot through the lungs, and was
crying for water. I gave him some and got up to leave, but
fell again ; I found that my limbs were for the time paralyzed.
I crawled down the hill, where I found the Thirteenth, or what
was left of it. Willie Stone, of Company H, was lying on the
field next morning seemingly dead. The ball went in at one
temple just behind his eyes and out at the other. His eyes were
both pushed out of their sockets. We marched that day down
to the Chickahominy Elver. We left Stone lying on the ground.
It was Saturday morning when we left; the battle was Friday
evening. Wednesday following the man who owned the place
went back to his home to see what had been done by the army.
He heard a strange noise in the swamp. When he went down
there he found young Stone crawling through the thicket hunt-
ing for water. Stone had revived and found that his eyes were
out and took his fingers and put them back, but he was blind.
F. J. Stone, at Stoneville, N. C, is his brother.
Sunday, all day, we were on the north side of the Chicka-
hominy River ; the enemy had destroyed the bridge and we had
to build one of logs, which took all day Sunday and all Sunday
night. During the day General Longstreet was swooping down
on McClellan's troops to the south of the river. We could hear
the cannon, musketry and the yells, but could do nothing until
the bridge was done. Monday morning, July 2d, we crossed
over and hurried on. When we struck the road where Long-
street fought Sunday it was indeed a woeful sight to behold; for
acres and acres untold the enemy were lying in heaps. We
passed by a nice-looking country house and before it was a stile
or uplifting block and on it sat a Union soldier with his feet
crossed and his gun between his legs, but he was dead and as
stiff as the stone upon which he was sitting. He was wounded
the evening before and came running with his gun in his hand
and dropped down on the step, crossed his legs and died. We
pushed on and overtook the enemy at Malvern Hill. The posi-
tion that Garland's Brigade, and especially that of the Thirteenth
Eegiment, occupied was one of the most diflScult and dangerous
662 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
that I was ever in up to that time, or even after it. We were
marched across a large field of bottom-land, across a creek,
through briers, vines and every kind of obstacle, along up an
old plantation cart-way to the top of a high hill. As soon as
we passed through the woods we were confronted by the strongest
line of works I ever faced — with cannon so thick that it did
not seem that a wagon could more than pass between them. We
were only about one hundred and twenty-five yards from them.
Colonel Scales saw the situation, and ordered the Thirteenth to
charge the works. At first sight it seemed that the enemy was
massed between their cannon in double column closed in mass.
The enemy opened the most terrific and destructive fire in the
face of the old Thirteenth that ever any troop met since the
world began. Within five minutes it was impossible to distin-
guish one man from another on account of the smoke and the
dust caused from the cannon in our immediate front. The men
would rush forward as they were urged, and then it seemed as
though the whole line would sway back as a field of corn would
before a wind. Though the sun was shining bright, when we
went in everything was soon so dark one could scarcely see.
Men were falling like leaves in an autumn wind. I had my gun
shot in two in my hands, one finger taken off and five bullet-
holes through my clothes; some three of them drew blood. It
was a useless undertakiug at that point. When I got wounded
I retired two miles in the rear. Bombs were falling and burst-
ing in many places from McClellan's gun-boats on the James. I
fell back to the road leading from Richmond to Yorktown and
found hundreds of troops from different States yelling " Fifth
Alabama!" others, such and such a regiment. I called out
" Thirteenth North Carolina, Garland's Brigade ! " A voice
from a little flickering light, for it was now dark, said: " Here!"
I went up, and to my surprise and delight, I found General
Garland and one of his staff sitting there broiling a piece of fat
Nassau meat and catching the grease on one of those old "hard-
tacks." He looked up at me and said : " I see you are
wounded ? " I told him I was. By this time he had the meat
Thirteenth Eeqiment. 663
broiled. He laid it on the cracker and handed it to me. I
begged to be excused, but he insisted, stating that he would cook
more for himself. When I had eaten the ration he said: "Lie
down here; I am going to stay right here and see if I can
reorganize my poor skeleton of a brigade." Next morning I
was awakened by the rain falling in my face and got up. He
told me to go and report to Dr. McAden and get my wound
dressed. I speak of this to show the reader what a kind and
good-hearted man General Garland was. And I regret to say
this was the last time I ever saw this brave and good man. I
was furloughed sixty days, the army made its tour into Mary-
land and General Garland fell in battle at South Mountain, Md.
The Thirteenth Regiment during the remainder of the war
fought with Jackson's Corps, A. P. Hill's Division. The whole
world knows that the troops under Jackson did hard fighting and
made many long marches when other troops were in quarters.
The Thirteenth participated in the battles of Second Manassas,
Harper's Ferry, Antietam and South Mountain. I met the
shattered remnant of the old Thirteenth North Carolina at
Bunker Hill, Va., just after the army recrossed the Potomac,
and a most pitiful sight it was to behold. I found Company I
in command of the Fourth Sergeant, and he was barefooted.
Lieutenant-Colonel Ruffin was in command of the regiment.
He appointed me Second Sergeant and told me to take command.
Colonel Duncan K. MacRae was in command of Garland's
Brigade. He and Colonel Ruffin were not on good terms, and
General Lee transferred the Thirteenth to W. D. Pender's
Brigade; then the boys were happy, as we were again with our
first colonel. Pender's Brigade then was composed of the
Thirteenth, Sixteenth, Twenty-second, Thirty-fourth and Thir-
ty-eighth North Carolina, one of the best brigades in the army,
with one of the bravest and coolest generals in the world.
After the army recrossed the Potomac there was but little
fighting the remainder of the summer and fall of 1862, except
now and then a little cavalry skirmish. In the month of
November, 1862, the Thirteenth was at Darksville, Va., watch-
664 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
ing the Yanks. We got orders to cook three days' rations and
be ready at a moment's notice to march. The order came; we
marched down the Valley pike, crossed the mountains at
Snicker's Gap and on to Fredericksburg. We marched the
distance in thirteen days and many of our boys were barefooted.
I saw blood in many places. We waded all the streams except
the Rappahannock River; we crossed that on a pontoon-bridge.
The weather was cold indeed. We had been in the vicinity of
Fredericksburg but a few days when Burnside commenced cross-
ing the river at Fredericksburg. Pender's Brigade, with his
five North Carolina regiments, including the Thirteenth, was
drawn up on the west side of the railroad behind Cutts' Battalion
of artillery, which was posted on a knoll southeast of the city.
Lane's Brigade of North Carolina troops was on Pender's right,
along the railroad, up in the direction of Guinea Station. We
got there in position before daylight on December 13th. The
snow lay on the ground some six or seven inches deep. Men
had not drawn their winter shoes, clothes or blankets. Our
suffering was beyond description. There was a dense fog which
enveloped the whole plain. One could not see eighty paces
away. About 9:30 o'clock A. M. our picket line was heard
firing in front. Soon they came in and reported the enemy
advancing. Our batteries opened fire and the enemy responded
vigorously. The Thirteenth Regiment was immediately behind
the battery and the enemy who had taken a position on a knoll
beyond the railroad, above the city, got the range at once, and
shells began to plow the ground. The shells came in showers
after the first duel. I raised my head out of the snow and
looked to see what had happened. Just at that time they
renewed the shelling. I saw one strike a sergeant in Company
G, from Edgecombe, in the breast and explode. It blew him
all to atoms. Another struck one of Company B, from Meck-
lenburg, just above his eyes; it uncapped his head. He staid
up on his knees and hands for at least a minute. His brains
staid intact and quivered; finally he sank down on his face in
the snow. There were some twenty others of the Thirteenth
Thirteenth Eegiment. 665
Regiment killed within ten minutes. Just then the sun, which
we had not seen that day, burst through the fog. We looked
across the plain and saw five columns of Federal troops advanc-
ing. The first column was within one hundred yards of the
railroad, where Lane's Brigade was posted. He let them
advance within sixty or eighty paces and gave orders to com-
mence firing, which they did, and it seemed that the front column
melted away. The second column charged, but met the same
fate at that point. But in front of Cutts' Battery, where we
were, they succeeded in driving out the strong picket line in the
railroad cut and commenced killing the gunners and horses.
Just then General W. D. Pender came riding down his line
among the hail of shot and shells, his left-hand hanging down
and blood streaming down his fingers. A ball had gone through
his arm between the bones. Colonel Scales bounded up out of
the snow and said : " General, I see you are wounded." He
said : " Oh, that is a trifle; no bone is broken. I want you to
send at least two companies down to the railroad and drive those
scoundrels out. They are killing Colonel Catts' men and horses."
Colonel Scales called out to Captain Ward, of Company I, and
Captain Hunt, of Company C, to go. It was about two hundred
yards, in a plain, open field. When we got up from our snow-
beds we were so stiff we could scarcely walk, but the Yankee
bullets soon made us forget that. We double-quicked right
down the hill, through the shower of lead, until we were within
twenty-five yards of the cut, before we fired a gun. We gave
them what we had frozen in our guns and charged bayonets, and
out they went. We reloaded and kept pushing them on over
the first banks of the plain. We held our position until dark,
when we were recalled to the brigade, which was in the woods
in rear of where we had been during the day. We found the
boys with good fires, warming themselves. One of my company,
■George Lowder, had gotten so badly frozen that he died that
night. I lost four toe-nails from the cold. We had a "snack"
to eat and were told that Jackson was going to take his corps,
put white strips on their arms, charge through to the river and cut
666 NoETH Carolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
loose the pontoon-bridges and bag the whole of Burnside's army,
but that idea was abandoned, and we bivouacked around the fires
until morning. Then we found the enemy had, sure enough,
crossed the river during the night, and we boys were glad; but
it was said that old Stonewall was mad because he was not
allowed to carry out his plan the overnight. After two days
we marched down some twelve miles below Guinea Station to a
large timbered tract, some four miles from the river, and established
our winter-quarters and named our camp after General Gregg,
of South Carolina, who had fallen in battle at Fredericksburg.
The only battle we had that winter was with General McGowan's
Brigade of South Carolina. In the month of January there
came a heavy snow. The South Carolina brigade attacked
Pender's Brigade, with colors flying, for a snow-ball battle.
The Tar-heel boys, in that, as in the other, did not see fit to
retreat, so they met them at the branch and it was a hard fight,
and finally the Tar-heels charged them, ran them into their
quarters and on through camp, demolished a goodly number of
shanties, and returned to their own quarters with but one casu-
alty— that was the red-headed Adjutant of the Thirteenth North
Carolina, who was struck in the eye with a snow-ball nested with
a flint rock.
The writer of this sketch was elected Third Lieutenant' by a
unanimous vote of his company, December 28th, just after
going into winter-quarters. During the month of April, 1863,
the Thirteenth was sent up near Gordonsville on a kind of pro-
vost duty. We were having a nice time, but on Friday night,
May 1st, a courier came dashing into camp with orders for the
Thirteenth to join its command, which was then marching. We
fell in about 8:30 o'clock p. M. ' The courier acted as a guide.
We marched all night and all day next day through plantations,
along rough country roads, until about three o'clock we fell into
what was called the Old Mine road, and exactly struck the bead
of Stonewall's Corps, with Jackson at its head. We commenced
cheering him. He ordered it stopped. We began to smell a,
mouse. Then, very soon, we struck the Orange Court House
Thirteenth Regiment. 667
and Chancellorsville road, turned at a right angle, advanced
down same a mile or more. Pender's Brigade and the Thirteenth
filed to the left of the road about four hundred yards through
the wilderness, were halted and came to a front. "Forward!"
was next. We went about two hundred yards and came to a
field which was white as snow with Yankee tents; we leaped the
fence and charged them before they knew that we were there.
Some were writing letters, some were playing cards, some were
shaving, some were cooking beef and, in fact, everything usually
done in an army camp was going on. Their guns were stacked
and their accoutrements hanging on the stacks, and we gave
them no time to get them, but chased them through the field.
They circled around and hit the Chancellorsville road and made
the dust fly. We followed as rapidly as we possibly could, fell
into the same road in column and were double-quicking at a
rapid rate. General Jackson and stafl^ came thundering down the
road by us, and as he passed the head of Pender's Brigade,
which was the Thirteenth North Carolina, he called out to halt
and throw out a strong skirmish line to protect the column and
to "press the enemy until night- fall." The detail was made from
the Thirteenth Regiment. I was detailed to command it. I
deployed my men and pushed forward; we had gone about
one-half mile; it was getting in the twilight fast, when all of a
sudden the enemy in front, and not over a quarter of a mile
away, turned loose a battery immediately up the road; grape and
canister were scraping the ground, and at the same time mus-
ketry mixed in; bullets were coming up the road thick. My
skirmishers were deployed on both sides and I was in the road;
but when the Yankee bullets and grape were turned loose I
jumped to the right of the road and fell behind a log that lay
there on a little knoll. A loose horse came from the direction
of the shooting. As he passed me he neighed. I thought very
strange of this. In about a minute another horse came from
the same direction. The firing ceased; I heard behind me Gen-
eral Pender call out : " Forward, battalion !" I cried: " Forward,
skirmishers!" When I slid down into the road I observed an
668 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
object which seemed to be wabbling along towards me; I stooped
low and peeped; I called: "Who comes there?" and expected to
be answered with lead, but was told "Friends." By this time we
had met. I could see that it was some one on a litter, and he
was groaning heavily. I asked: "Who is this wounded?" They
answered: "A Confederate officer." I did not dream that it was
our so much beloved chief. General T. J. Jackson, nor did I
learn it until after the battle of Chancellorsville was over with
next day.
This may seem to the reader to conflict with the statement
sent out by the Richmond papers at that time; also of the state-
ment of the author of the " Wearing of the Gray " and " Surry
of the Eagle's Nest"; but I have only intended from start to
finish not to write a single line or word that I did not know to
be the truth; and I do positively know that not a single gun had
been fired by my detail on that memorable night of May 2d, on
which our noble and matchless leader was sacrificed. We had
not advanced over one hundred and fifty yards after meeting the
latter before the enemy began to pelt us. Pender's Brigade filed
to the left of the Chancellorsville road, until it cleared the road.
I found later that Lane's filed to the right. General Pender
rested at the right wing, which was on the bank of the road.
The Thirteenth was at the extreme left of the brigade and deep
in the wilderness of brush-wood. We advanced within one hun-
dred yards of the enemy's line and there we lay down with our
heads to the enemy and rested on our arms. We could hear
them digging and chopping down the small undergrowth all
night. Captain Ward and I lay on my oil-cloth, side by side,
but sleep was far from us. The moon shone beautifully all night
and the whip-poor-wills kept time to the Yankee axe and pick.
Captain Ward, every now and then, would chunk me and say:
" What time is it now ? " I would look at my watch by moon-
light and tell him. At half past four he asked me again. I
told him. He said: "Let's get up and get ready, for hell will
be to pay as soon as it gets light." We rolled up ray cloth; I
swung it about my neck and sat down. In a few minutes the
Thirteenth Eegiment. 669
men were roused, roll called and three hundred and forty-two
men of the old Thirteenth said " Here." Just as we could see
day was opening, while it was red in the east, I heard that keen,
shrill voice of General W. D. Pender, down on the right of the
brigade, scream out : " Attention, forward, guide center ! " The
Thirteenth stepped forward as though it was battalion drill. We
were so close to the enemy that they opened fire on us imme-
diately.
It was a beautiful morning, the first Sunday in May, when
nature everywhere is always so beautiful. It was calm as could
be and it did look like a pity to disturb its hallowed name; but
such is war. It was so still; not a bit of wind, but soft and
warm. When the enemy commenced firing on us — one solid
sheet of blaze — I well remember patting men on the shoulder
and telling them to shoot at the blaze. They did so; so we sup-
posed that they were shooting over the top of their works; but we
charged them, and in five minutes we had carried their works which
they were all night in building, and when we leaped over them we
found a bank of them in the ditch; we thought they were pris-
oners, but found they were killed. They had placed two logs
in parallel lines, put on cross-ties, floored them and built on top
of that, and were lying behind shooting under the works. If
we had not charged them before the sun rose they would have
killed every one of us; but our boys were told to shoot at the
blaze, and they had done the work admirably well. Our men
were shot in the legs, while theirs were shot in the head and
shoulders. On we charged about one hundred and twenty-five
yards, where we found another line lying down awaiting us. We
charged them, on and on, until we had routed the fifth line. By
this time our line was getting very thin. Our officers called on
the men so often to aim low that I am sure that very few shot
over the enemy, judging from the number of dead and wounded
left on the field. My company was the right center company
and rested on the colors. My position was on the left wing; as
file-closer, I saw the colors fall five times after we had crossed
the first line at the works. Three times out of the five I picked
670 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
them up and rushed forward with them. The last time I picked
them up Colonel Scales passed up his line and saw me, and said:
"Detail a man to carry them." Just as I had complied with his
order, he, Colonel Scales, reeled and fell, shot through the thigh.
He called me and asked me to run back and order the litter-
bearers after him. I ran back through the woods about one
hundred and fifty yards and met two of them and hurried them
to my colonel. I had been hearing a terrible howling, and
thought at first that it was our re-inforcements coming, but found
it was the howling of bullets going through the air a few feet
above my head. I wheeled and ran my best toward the front.
I found that there was more danger at a distance than there was
close up. When I overtook my regiment, which was still press-
ing hard down upon the enemy, in sight of the cleared land at
Chancellorsville, the enemy were, it seemed, being recruited and
were making a desperate stand.
Brigadier-General Henderson, of the Union side, with some
of his staff, attempted to lead a charge on us. We stood for
him, and two privates of Company E, Sandy Andrews and Dan
Weden, rushed forward and seized his horse by the bridle and
asked him to surrender. He indignantly replied: "If you
don't turn my horse loose, I'll kill you both." Weden, I be-
lieve it was, leveled his gun on him and said: "D — n you, dis-
mount, or I'll kill you." He obeyed promptly. Just at that
time I did hear the rebel yell. It was Thomas' Georgia
Brigade, which had been in reserve, coming to relieve Pender's
Brigade. The Thirteenth was out of ammunition; they had
shot sixty rounds each and had been in from 5 o'clock to 8:30
A. M. As before stated, the Thirteenth went in at 5 o'clock with
three hundred and forty-two good men. When we fell back to
the enemy's works, filled up cartridge-boxes, and at one o'clock
each company called the roll, one hundred and thirty-nine men
answered to their names. There were killed, wounded and miss-
ing two hundred and three. In the language of Colonel A. M.
Scales, "That 3d day of May, 1863, at Chancellorsville, was
one that tried men's souls." Captain R. H. Ward, of my com-
Thirteenth Regiment. 671
pany, was wounded badly in the leg; First Lieutenant W. H.
Winchester took command; A. F. Neal, Second Lieutenant,
and myself Third Lieutenant. When Thomas' Georgia Bri-
gade struck them with their fresh, full line the enemy vanished
like snow in the sunshine on a warm spring day. They pressed
the enemy so hard that by some means the wilderness was set on
fire, and we all had to fall back across the road. We had gotten
our wounded all off, but the poor Federal wounded were left to
the ravages of the forked tongue of the blaze, and there never
was a more ghastly sight than after the fire had done its work.
In the afternoon this writer was put in command of a detail
of thirty men to hunt through the burnt woods which we had
fought over that morning and bury the dead of the Thirteenth.
We found forty-two charred corpses, brought them to the old
plank-road and buried them all in one long grave and labeled
them on boards at their heads. While I was looking through
the woods I found a young man with both arms and both legs
broken. His clothing was burned to a coal, his hair was noth-
ing but a char, his eye-lashes were burned off. He heard me
walking, and called to know who I was. I told him that I was
one of the Thirteenth North Carolina. He then said : " Will
you please kill me out of my misery?" I told him I would not,
but said to him : " What are you fighting against us for, you
negro?" He put up a pitiful cry, and said: "Before you all
shot me I was as, white as any man." He then asked me if I
had any water. I told him yes; I knelt down, put my arm
around his neck, raised him up and gave him all the water I
had. He again asked me to please kill him. I refused. He
then asked me to see if I could get a ring off his finger, and if I
ever had a chance to send it to his sister, stating that she put it
on there the second Sunday in the last July, when he started
from his home in some town in, I think he said, New Hamp-
shire. He said : "My father is dead; I have a mother and one
sister living, but I will never see them again." I left the poor
fellow and hurried around as soon as I could to get more water,
but, alas, he was dead. As to the ring, his hand was So badly
672 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
burned and swollen it was impossible to take it oif. I have
always regretted that I did not write down his mother's address,
so that I could have written her concerning him since.
Well, we held the field, or woods, that night. Next morning
it was reported that the enemy was showing signs of renewing
the engagement. We fell to work and threw up breastworks,
and such a rain as fell seldom has been seen. The army then mean-
dered here and there for several days. This writer was taken
severely sick and sent to Richmond Hospital and lay there very
ill for four weeks. During that time General Lee made, I think,
the mistake of his life, and invaded Pennsylvania.
The Thirteenth was in every battle where Stonewall Jackson's
old corps (then under A. P. Hill) was. It was at Second Manas-
sas, Winchester, Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg, and in many skir-
mishes. I met it near Bunker Hill again, camped in a piece of
woods, a mere handful of barefoot, ragged, worn-out soldiers.
My cousin, W. H. Winchester, First Lieutenant of Company I,
fell in the charge up Cemetery Hill. His right foot was shot
off at the ankle, except the heel-string. He was seen crawling
back down the hill at Gettysburg, One of the company found
him, as they retired, at the foot of the hill. He had his knife
out and asked the man to cut the heel-string so he could crawl
farther. The man told him that he could not. He told the
man to hold.it for him; he held it, and he cut off his own foot
and continued to crawl, but was finally overtaken by the Union
troops and died in the hospital among the enemy. Lieutenant
A. F. Neal then came in command of the company and was with
it when I met them this side of the Potomac. He was very
sick and was sent off the same day to the hospital and returned late
in the fall to Orange Court House. This writer then fell in
command of Company I in the month of July, 1863, and con-
tinued in command until Lieutenant Neal returned. Soon after
his return he resigned, and on account of Lieutenant Winchester's
death and Neal's resignation this writer was promoted to First
Lieutenant during the spring.
When General Jackson died A. P. Hill was promoted to fill
Thirteenth Regiment. 673
his place ; W. D. Pender was promoted to Major-Geueral; Colonel
A. M. Scales was promoted to Brigadier-General; J. H. Hyman,
of Company G, from Edgecombe, was promoted to Colonel, and
Benton Withers was promoted from Major to Lieutenant-Colonel.
I have brought the reader, with the Thirteenth, to Orange
Court House, Va., into winter-quarters. We built a plank-road
from the Court House to the camp, graded or macadamized the
streets, and two days before Christmas our time came to beat
rock into the street. It was cold enough almost to shave a man —
the wind was blowing from the snow-capped mountains from the
north side. The boys were almost nude, squatting down pound-
ing rock. The officers got sorry for the poor fellows. We
found a groceryman who had a barrel of good old apple-jack;
we thought we would warm them up. Company after company
was called up and " set up " to what we thought was about right.
The boys went back to crushing rock with hand-hammers; they
soon began to sing and rejoice and cut all sorts of capers. The
Irish Battalion, which was known to all the soldiers as the rear-
guard on all marches, was called up to see if they couldn't quiet
the old Thirteenth. The boys became indignant at the thought
of having the Patrick O'Flanigans over them, so they armed
themselves with broken stone, charged the Irish Battalion and
drove them clean out of town. As they returned from the chase
they tore down a settler's hut or two. Lieutenant-Colonel Ben-
ton W ithers, who was in charge that day, managed to march them
back to camp. The next morning he placed about six officers
and twenty-five or thirty men under arrest.
The next day was Christmas-eve. Colonel Joe Hyman re-
ceived a very nice box from a friend at Tarboro, N. C, and in
the box were five gallons of North Carolina brandy, turkey,
hams, sausage, cake, etc. Well, he was something of a "turnip"
himself- he invited every commissioned officer to come up to his
tent and partake of his hospitalities. After a few smiles at the
demijohn, he then sent for the brass band, treated them and
made them play until midnight. About this time his heart had
gotten soft. He called Colonel Withers and ordered him to go
43
674 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
and tell all the oflScers that got tipsy at the Court House to come
to him at once, and to also tell every man that was in the guard-
house that he pardoned him. He wound up by saying: "D — n
a man that will punish others for the thing he will do him-
self."
Christmas passed by; the new year ushered in; 1864 had
come; Captain Ward had returned to Company I. The writer
had applied for a furlough to visit his dear old mother and
sisters and the " other dear," whom he had not seen for nine-
teen months. A big snow was on the ground; the furlough
was handed in, approved and respectfully returned by E. E.
Lee, General. The reader can imagine that this boy was feeling
good, for soldiers do feel good sometimes, and this was one of
those times. All of a sudden the regiment drum began: "Shat-
ter, vatter, vatter, vatter !" What's that ? " Fall in , Thirteenth ! "
The Yankee cavalry had charged the pickets at the mill ford
and were crossing by thousands. Captain Ward said: "If I
were you, I would go to Orange Court House; I would not go
into battle with a furlough in my pocket." I said : " Well, I will
do what Colonel Hyman says." I went in a run to his quarters, and
said: "Colonel, I have just received my furlough; do you wish
me to fall in ? " He turned around and bawled out : " Yes, G
d n it, fall in ; fall in, and that d n quick." That ended
it for the time. By this time the Thirteenth was formed. We
double-quicked every step for two and one-half miles. As we
went over a hill we came in sight of a brigade of infantry from
toward the Court House that had beat us a little and had the
cavalry on the run. We got to the ford in time to see a few of
them floating down the river. We took position in the little
picket intrenchment. The Federal cavalry was reforming at
the edge of the woods on the Culpeper road. The miller said
the distance had been measured from the farther bank to the
woods and was one thousand seven hundred and eighty yards.
Colonel Hyman called Monroe Roberson, of Company A, who
had a globe-sighted rifle, captured from the enemy in Maryland
the summer before. The Colonel was looking through his field-
Thirteenth Regiment. 675
glass and saw an officer at the woods who seemed to be forming
his men to make a dash. He told Roberson to lay his gun
across the works and see if he thought he could get him. He
looked, and said: "Yes, sir; he doesn't look to be more than two
hundred yards off." "Try him, then," said the Colonel, "and I
will watch." Monroe pulled down. . The Colonel snapped his
finger, and said : " I swear, if you didn't knock him off." In
less than a minute they turned loose with carbines and a per-
fect shower of lead was stuck in the hill above our heads on the
bluff. They only hit one of the Thirteenth, Calvin Grear, from
Mecklenburg, who was Sergeant-major at that time. He was
shot through the body just above the waist; the ball came out at
the side of his back-bone. The Colonel excused me after dark,
and I left the Court House next morning for home.
The Thirteenth returned to its winter- quarters and remained
there near the Court House until May 5th, when we struck tents
and" marched through the village about 1 o'clock p. m., in the
direction of the Wilderness, down the old plank-road. We met
the enemy some twelve miles down the road. A. P. Hill's Corps
was in front. Longstreet was up at Madison Court House when
we met the enemy. Wilcox's Division, which was Pender's be-
fore his death, was put right in. It was composed of Scales',
Lane's, Thomas' Georgia and McGowan's South Carolina Bri-
gades. Scales' and Thomas' Brigades were put in and Lane's and
McGowan's Brigades were kept back of them as a support. We
moved down on them on the right of the road. Charge after
charge we made. We drove the enemy back some two miles. It
was like fighting fire in the woods again. We were kept in until
our boys had exhausted their sixty rounds, or some had, and
during that time a goodly number of the Thirteenth had gone
down to rise no more. Captain Ward, of Company I, had only
been back from home, because of his Chancellorsville wound,
about three months. Just before our skirmish line opened fire,
marching down the road, he commenced to sing: " Years creep
slowly by, Lorena; the snow is on the grass again." I slapped
him on the shoulder and told him I knew what he was thinking
676 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
about; and that was, that he would get another flesh wound and
go back to Mrs. Ward. He remarked: "Would to God that it
may be only a flesh wound." Just as Lane's Brigade rushed in
to relieve Scales, near a branch, as we faced about to retire, a
ball struck him in the back part of his leg and lodged under the
knee-cap, and, if he is living, it is there yet. We bore him off
with us. He went home sure enough and never was able to
return to duty, but was retired, and the writer was promoted
to Captain later on.
This was the first day's battle with Grant and Lee. We were
drawn off some three-fourths of a mile in the rear of the front
line, issued cartridges and lay there all night, supposing that
Lane's and Thomas' men were still in our front. The next morn-
ing, not long after light, we were lying behind some old logs
and such things as we could pick up. General Scales and our
Colonel Hyman were standing behind my company talking, when
one of my sergeants called to me, and said: " Look in front." I
looked, and the woods were blue with the enemy. I turned to
the Colonel and General Scales to tell them. The enemy were
coming closer behind us. I told them to look ; we were about
surrounded. General Scales waved his sword above his head
and called on the men to follow him. He dashed off at right
angles and took his brigade out by the right flank. They opened
fire upon us and a goodly number was wounded. I was struck on
my shoulder-blade and had the breath knocked out of me, but
I kept following our retreating or stampeded troops, who circled
back to the road, where we met Longstreet's Corps coming in
from Madison Court House. General Lee was standing there.
By his direction General Longstreet placed troops on each
side of the road and advanced quickly. General Lee started to
lead the charge, but he was prevented by the officers of Long-
street's staff. The Thirteenth, under Colonel Hyman, was
reorganized and fell in for the day on Longstreet's left wing and
was back into the fight in less than an hour and remained in
all day,
I do not think there was a single day from that time that a
Thirteenth Regiment. 677
man was safe from the range of a bullet until we reached Peters-
burg. It was a running fight on by Spottsylvania. There we
were in a bloody fight — fight and march day and night, j-ain or
fair — it was all the time fight, fight. The regiment was being
reduced daily and hourly. When we went to Spottsylvania there
was a time when only five commissioned officers were present for
duty, and it made it so arduous on us that I would sometimes
get so desperate that I wished to be shot.
We were sent forward south of the Court House to feel for
the enemy. Two days after the big battle no troops had been
seen over the works. That day, for fear they had stolen the
march on us, the Thirteenth was sent to feel for them. As we
went down through an old field, and had gotten within eighty
yards of the works. Lieutenant Eainey said to me: "I'll bet five
dollars there isn't a Yankee in those works." Immediately
they raised up in double file, laid their guns over the works and
fired, but they were above us so high that they shot over every
one of us except Captain T. C. Evans. He had his mouth
open, yelling to his company, Ifke all the rest of us, to "Charge!
Charge!" A bullet went into his mouth, knocked out one tooth
and came out on the right side of his neck-bone. It was a close
call, but I could not help but laugh. He squealed like a pig,
rolled down the hill to the bottom, jumped up and ran out like
a wild turkey. I do not mean that he was a coward, for he was
a very brave and gallant officer; but he was so deranged at the
time that he hardly knew what he was doing. We charged up
the hill to the works and found no one at them at all. They
fired their guns and fell back down the bluff through the cedars
and got out of sight. That night we marched all night and
were at Hanover Junction by day. We began digging, and by a
little after sunrise the enemy charged us with a heavy column.
We drove them back and skirmished with them during the day
and a portion of the night. Next morning we found that Grant
had pushed on. We side-tracked him on, and on to Cold Har-
bor. I think the Thirteenth got into position in that engage-
ment not more than one-half mile from the place we had fought
678 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
McClellan's troops in 1862. We succeeded in holding our posi-
tion well, notwithstanding we were exposed to a hurricane of
cannoo, shots and shells. The race for the goal continued hot
between Grant and General Lee. Grant's aim, as every one
knows, was to make the touch-down at Richmond, but we tackled
him and he went to Petersburg, I think, about the 19th of
July. During this time I did not get time to change raiment
but one time. The Thirteenth was placed in the fortifications
south of Petersburg, to the right of the road, for a few days after
the troops had recuperated.
General Lee laid off a new line of defense farther from the
city than General Beauregard's line was. Then for a siege of
hard work again. We soon had a strong line of defense and the
troops were distributed from near Burgess' Mill, on the extreme
right, thence south of Petersburg, across the Appomattox River
and on near Dunlap's Station, through to Drewry's Bluff. We
were kept on the south side of Petersburg and occupied the
works south of Sycamore street, in sight of the city, exactly
where the mine was sprung. We staid there and did picket
duty in our front and were under a continual fire all the time for
some four weeks. General Scales complained to General Lee
that his troops ought to be relieved. Howard's South Carolina
was sent to relieve Scales. The Thirteenth was then sent north
of Petersburg to do picket work along the west bank of the river.
In about twelve days from this time we left the works which
were later on blown up. On the Sunday following we were sent
back south down the railroad some three miles and attacked the
enemy and skirmished al) day. Yancy Cummings, of my com-
pany, was killed and several others wounded.
August 19th we marched by a circuitous route all night and the
next day about twelve o'clock we struck the enemy at Reams'
Station, on the Petersburg & Weldon Railroad. He was strongly
fortified along the railroad bed, with a redoubt at the depot,
about one hundred and fifty yards on the Weldon end of the
road. When we came in sight on the west side of the railroad,
it was about nine hundred yards through an open sedge field.
Thirteenth Regiment. 679
Scales' Brigade was formed and ordered forward. The right of
the brigade was protected by some woods. The Thirteenth Eegi-
ment's position being in the open, it was ordered that ^ good,
strong skirmish line be sent forward to hold the enemy while
the main column could advance. The writer was called out to
make the advance. I asked to be allowed to take my company,
as there was no other officer with it, and besides that, I knew my
men and they knew me. The detail for the brigade was ordered
out. I was in command of the Thirteenth's detail, my company.
Lieutenant-Colonel Benton Withers was in command of the
brigade detail. The skirmishers advanced under a heavy fire.
We dashed through the old field, the last one hundred yards
being through a flat land which had been cleared the winter
before. The brush lay loose all over the ground, which made it
very difficult to get through. I do not think we were more than
five minutes getting within eighty-five yards of the works. We
poured in lead and kept their heads down — kept the gunners
from using their cannon. The right wing of the brigade met
with such obstacles that they failed to come up in time to keep
the enemy from enfilading the Thirteenth in the old field, so
this charge failed to be a success. I was recalled with my com-
pany. General Wilcox came along and ordered us in again.
This time we rushed through the old field again for our first posi-
tion and soon we were within forty yards of the works and
about one hundred yards to the right of the burned depot. We
made it so hot for them in the redoubt that the gunners left their
guns. If the old Thirteenth had been up then we could have
captured the four pieces very easily. I looked, and, as before,
they were kept back by the enemy's heavy guns above the depot.
As the enemy ran out of the redoubt, W. D. Powers, a nice
young man from Raleigh, one of my recruits, called to me, and
said : "Look, is not that General Hancock ?" I looked, and said:
" Yes; drop him off." He stepped out from behind a large oak
which we were sheltering behind and raised his rifle. Just at
that instant his -gun dropped from his hand, and he said : " I am
wounded." The ball had nearly cut off his left thumb and went
680 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-65.
through his right shoulder. About this time we were signaled
to fall back to the regiment again.
It was August the 21st, and I felt that I would melt. After a
short rest we were sent forward through the woods immediately
in front of the burned depot, where another strong redoubt was
built. As we advanced our skirmish line we met a strong skir-
mish line in the woods which the enemy had advanced to meet us.
We charged them. Captain Young's battalion of sharp-shooters
being on our right. We all charged at the same time and got
near enough to reconnoiter their position. Lieutenant-Colonel
Withers, who was still in command of the brigade detail, hur-
ried back to report. Young's sharp-shooters were compelled
to withdraw southward, which left a gap in the skirmish line.
The enemy took advantage of this, rushed a heavy skirmish
line through the gap and swung around behind the Thirteenth's
detail. It was with considerable difficulty that I got out with
my company. We made a left flank move and returned safe
without the loss of a single man. When I reached my com-
mand Colonel Hyman said that he made sure that my whole
company were prisoners. General Wilcox came riding up to
us in the pine thicket and told General Scales that he must
take his brigade in column instead of in line and go down
this old road, which ran in rather a left-oblique than a direct
course. It was after sundown and a very angry thunder-cloud
behind us. We went down the old road to within about eighty
paces, where the old Thirteenth, which was in front (or at the
head of the column) when Colonel Hyman gave the command
"Battalion, right half-wheel into line; double-quick!" swung
around and hit the enemy's works. The enemy was so surprised
that he scarcely made any resistance. It was the work of but a
few moments. The Sixteeuth struck the redoubt on our left and
captured the cannon; the Thirteenth captured three brass pieces
in its front, and we took the line from the depot as far as we had
troops. It was said at that time we took thirteen cannon and
sixteen hundred prisoners. We fell back to the works that
«
Thirteenth Eegiment. 681
night near Petersburg through the rain and brought all safely
in. We staid there in the works, I think, until September.
General Wilcox got permission to take his division down the
railroad some two and a half miles, with a view of turning the
enemy's flank. The writer was again sent out with a heavy
skirmish line, with orders from General Scales to deploy my men
and advance as rapidly as possible, that he was going to march
his brigade in column down the road until I ran into the enemy.
We were then on the left of the railroad and advancing east. I
obeyed orders and pushed my skirmishers through the thicket
and brush about a mile and a half. Below there I saw the head of
the column in sight behind us. I pushed on down and it seemed
all the time to get lower and lower. Finally I found some
meadow land with a straight ditch. I jumped into it and kept
down it, as it was leading in the direction I wanted to go. I
hoped to find water, for it was very warm and I was very
thirsty. I ran on a Yankee down there on his knees and elbows
in the ditch. I made him get up and tried to make him tell me
where his troops were, but not a word could I get from him. It
was not long that I needed him to tell me, for my skirmish line
ran into them beyond the meadow land on the brow of a ridge.
They opened fire on my little band from their works before we
knew they were there. We poured it into them and crept up
to within ninety yards, where we waited and continued to annoy
them all we could, looking every minute for the brigade. Fin-
ally night came, and no column yet. I slipped along my line
to the extreme left, which rested on the country road that led
from Petersburg, and looked for our troops to come down. I
heard a horse coming down from towards Petersburg in a lope.
I did not know whether it was friend or foe, but I waited for him
to advance within ten paces, when I halted him. He seemed
very much excited, as he could no't see who I was; neither could
I tell who he was, but I had the drop on him. I called for him
to advance and surrender, for I was sure that he was a Yankee.
He came up to me, and I asked him in a low tone of voice what
command he was of. He said Scales' Brigade, North Carolina
682 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Troops. He still thought that I was a Yankee. He came nearer
to me, and I asked him what he was doing down there. He said
General Scales sent him to withdraw a skirmish line that he sent
down that day. I then told him I was the man he was looking
for. He told me that he must hurry back, and told me to keep
on up the road until I struck the railroad and then I would be
all right, but added that the enemy were very near the road in
two places where the road curved in towards their works. I
pushed on; not a word was spoken. I placed my men in single
file and told them to trail arms and to keep in touch of each
other and we would come out or be found trying. We arrived
at Petersburg trenches about one o'clock at night, hungry, tired
and mad. We found that the enemy on the south side saw Wil-
cox's Division moving around and had sent troops from the works
on the south side to cut him oif. Scales' Brigade, the Thir-
teenth, and all, in fact, had to turn and fight their way back to
Petersburg or be captured. Had it not been for Rodes' Divis-
ion in the works at Petersburg, which advanced in the rear of
the Union troops that attacked Wilcox, I doubt very much
whether the whole of them had not been captured. Then it was
plain how it was that no relief came to me seven miles down in
the pine woods. This is the last engagement the Thirteenth was
in during the year 1864, except now and then a picket skirmish.
The Thirteenth was quartered behind the works on a steep hill-
side in the coldest place I ever saw. Wood was some thousand
yards in front of our line, south of the works, and the men had
to carry all the wood they burned, except what they could bor-
row from the artillerymen — at night — just above us. They hauled
theirs, and the boys thought it no harm to borrow from their
neighbors.
During the month of March, 1865, the enemy extended his
line to our right in the direcfion of Burgess' Mill. I was on
picket that day. All day, from about 12 m., I heard heavy fir-
ing on my right. When I returned I found that the Thirteenth
had been fighting, with the rest of the brigade, all the day pre-
vious and had driven the enemy off. Within a few days, I think
Thirteenth Regiment. 683
it was about the first of April, I was again in front on picijet.
I was relieved at dark and returned to the line, where I found
the regiment ready to march. Wilcox's Division marched out
to Burgess' Mill, crossed the creek and took position, at least the
Thirteenth did, on the ridge beyond the mill, which ran parallel
with the creek. There was a splendid line of fortifications, with
good, strong redoubts for the cannon. Down south of them ran
a small brauch, between the main line and which was a line of
rifle-pits on a parallel line with the work. These pits had been
occupied by cavalry previous to this. Colonel Hyman called
the writer, who before this had been promoted to Captain of
Company I, to take his company and advance across the branch,
go on up the hill two hundred yards to the 'edge of the pine
woods and there halt and send out videttes. I went forward as
ordered and sent the videttes. They went but a short distance
before they turned and came running to me and reported the
woods alive with the Blues. I had heard them telling their
men to keep dressed. We about-faced and double-quicked back
down to the branch. As we were nearing the rifle-pits the
enemy had emerged from the woods and opened fire on us. By
the time we got to the pits the lead was coming in showers. The
pits were on a hill-side and were filled with water — it was amus-
ing to hear the men jumping into those pits of water like frogs.
The Thirteenth was advanced to the pits to re-inforce us. Men
were baling out water with their hands and tin plates and any-
thing they could. I was standing by the side of a pit when one of
the men said: "I wish you would come iu." I told him I would
step and get an old shovel I saw up the hill. Before I could
get it and return one bullet was sent through my hat, another
through the blankets around my neck and one hit my shoe. We
flirted out the water with the shovel and got down to business.
One skirmisher had a position at the edge of the woods behind
a large stump, where he could put a bullet into my pit whenever
he saw a hat above it. I took the sergeant's rifle, rested it over
the bank of the pit, then took off my hat and slipped it up to
my right. He raised up to his knees to shoot at the hat, think-
684 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
ing it was a man's head. I turned loose on him and he fell over,
and I am sure he could have been heard yelling half a mile.
It proved to be rather a costly shot, for several of the regiment
jumped up and cheered and the whole Union line sent in a vol-
ley. James Bartlett, of Company B, and Bob Graham, of Com-
pany D, were killed; Robert Sergent, of Company D, and others
were wounded. We were withdrawn soon after to the main line.
About 2 o'clock p. m. the skirmish line was withdrawn from
the rifle-pits to the works. Down the hill the enemy came, with
colors flying, but not a gun was fired at him until he crossed the
branch, the second line emerging from the woods. As the first line
cleared the branch and started to the works. Colonel Hyman gave
orders to commence firing. The boys poured in lead and the
front line threw down their guns and came running in with
their hands up. We ceased firing on them, but the second line
behind them fired and kept firing until the prisoners were over
the works. I did not know whether they were trying to kill
their men for surrendering or whether they thought they could
pick off some of us who were in view of them. The remainder
of the day and the next everything was quiet, but the second
morning after, or during the night before, the shelling began all
along the line. From the mill as far back as could be seen or
heard the bombs were being passed from each line, all kinds
from a six-pounder to the largest. Mortar-shells were bursting
in every direction and the flashes were so fast that it kept the skies
lighted up as bright as an aurora borealis. Indeed, it made one
feel that judgment-day was at hand, and so it was with many a
poor soul. Early next morning we could hear the keen crack-
ing of muskets away over in the direction of Petersburg.
Nearer and nearer it came — a storm of thunder and lightning by
shells and a hail-storm of rifle bullets. Finally the blue clouds of
Union soldiers burst through the woods, shooting and charging.
Lee's lines were turned !
I am not able to say in what direction we traveled for quite a
while, but we struck the Lynchburg and Petersburg canal, fol-
lowed up it quite a while and continued on in the direction of
Thirteenth Regiment. 685
Amelia Court House. We were resting near the railroad and
■waiting, for some cause, when a courier brought word that the
Yankee cavalry had captured our entire train of wagons. Wil-
cox's Division was run three miles across a creek. A short dis-
tance beyond we found in a long lane team after team, one after
another, with the wagons on fire and the contents burning up;
horses pawing, stamping and neighing in the most pitiful man-
ner— some jammed so close to other wagons that their manes
and tails were singed off and looked like rats; ordnance burning
and cracking and provisions in the wagons burning up. As we
ran by one wagon loaded with bacon hams one of my company
stuck his bayonet into a ham that was flaming and ran on till it
went out. After trimming the charr off, he gave me a slice,
which I thought the best meat I ever ate — and it was the last meat
I had until three days after the surrender.
From the time our trains were destroyed there was no hope
for the army of Lee — no rest for the men night or day. The
Thirteenth was bringing up the rear. As we came through
Farmville, Va., the mountain-like hills north and west of
the town seemed to be lined with artillery. The enemy had
pressed forward on all roads and was ready to impede Lee's
retreat. It rained bomb-shells through the street. The men of
the town could be seen, as we rushed through, in ditches, under
bridges and anywhere to hide from the shot and shells from the
enemy's cannon from the heights above. We rushed through
the town, crossed a bridge that spanned a small stream on the
south side and pushed up a long and tiresome hill which
curved slightly to the right. As we reached the top of the hill,
in a level old sedge field, we found General R. E. Lee dismounted
and forming a line of battle to charge a body of Federal cavalry
which was formed on our right. Scales' Brigade, with the
Thirteenth in front that day, was quickly formed and, dashing
forward, drove the cavalry off. This was the 7th day of
April and the last time I saw General Lee until we were pass-
ing at a double-quick down a hill toward a creek a mile or more
from Appomattox Court House. General Lee was standing
686 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
under au apple-tree, looking beyond the creek, where a battle
was raging. As I remember, it was General Gordon, of
Georgia, who was attacking the enemy, who during the previous
night had formed' a cordon all around us. As above stated,
Wilcox's Division was rushed down the hill, and Scales' Brigade
and the Thirteenth were about the center of the column. As we
went down the hill we met some four or five brass cannon and a
number of prisoners that had been taken by our troops in the first
charge that morning. We cheered them as they- passed us under
guard. At the creek we saw a fine-looking U. S. officer with
an escort of Confederate officers and a small white flag. As they
passed Colonel Hyman one of them asked: "Can yon tell me where
we can find General Lee?" The answer was that he was stand-
ing under an apple-tree as we came down. They dashed on in
the direction stated. We ran through a creek and were begin-
ning to meet some whistling bullets, when all of a sudden the
firing ceased. Then a few shots were heard again. Some one
in the battle line in front yelled out and said : " I say cease firing;
the next man that fires a shot I will have him killed." One of
the Thirteenth said : " There now, I bet that Lee has surren-
dered." Colonel Joe Hyman turned around and said: "If you
say that again I will shoot you." We stood there a few minutes
and were about-faced, marched back across the creek and stacked
arms in a field on the road near the apple-tree. As we marched
back up the hill we met General Lee and some of his staff and
the U. S. officer, who, we learned, was General Custer. This was
Sunday morning, April 9, 1865. It was about 1 or 2 o'clock
when it was read out all through the army that Lee had sur-
rendered.
The next thing was, what were men to do for rations? But
Fitz Hugh Lee, not knowing what was going on at the Court
House, had fallen on the Federal wagons and had given them the
same treatment that ours had met three days previous; so we got
no rations and had to starve on till Wednesday. The Thirteenth
marched over to the Court House, stacked arms in the presence
of our victors, returned to the same camp, there received our
Thirteenth Regiment. 687
paroles, bade farewell to many of our comrades that marched in
different directions from ours and broke camp for our respective
homes. I took Company I, the company that four years before,
lacking thirteen days, I had joined as a private under Captain
Thomas Settle at New Bethel Cross Roads in Rockingham county,
N. C. I arrived at Danville Saturday evening about 2 o'clock,,
and found that late that evening a freight train would go up
towards Reidsville, so I rested and waited. When the train
got ready to pull out I ordered my men (seventeen only) to
crawl on top. We spread out blankets and slept till we reached
Reidsville at 12 o'clock p. m. There we were waked up and
got off. I dismissed old Company I at the depot and they all
pulled out in their own way for their homes. The writer
arrived at home about 2 p. m., April 16th, Easter Sunday.
The foregoing sketch has been written entirely from memory,
but the most of it was so indelibly imprinted on my mind that
I feel that were I permitted to live a thousand years that the
horrible scenes of the many battles in which the Thirteenth par-
ticipated could never be eliminated from my mind. In conclu-
sion, permit me to say that if I have written a single error it is
of my mind and not of my heart. I now bid you all adieu.
R. S. Williams.
ADDITIONAL SKETCH THIRTEENTH REGIMENT.
By adjutant N. S. SMITH.
The Thirteenth Eegiment, which had been in winter-quarters
at Ben's Church, Isle of Wight county, Va., during the winter
of 1861-'62, was ordered, about April, 1862, to Mulberry Island.
At our camp on this island we got our first view of the Yankee
soldier, who was to be so much in evidence for the next three
years. On this island we soon had breastworks thrown up and
redoubts made, to be evacuated in a few days. It was on this
island that an incident occurred that can never be forgotten by
those who saw it. The members of the Topographical Corps of
Engineers of the Thirteenth Regiment were ordered to make a
map of Mulberry Island. With this object in view, two of the
corps, one of whom was the late W. N. Mebane, of Madison,
were taking the angles of Warwick River. They had a large
brass telescope with them, and, commencing at the mouth of the
river, surveyed until they reached a clear, open field at the foot
of the hill, upon which some of out redoubts were built. His
companion was taking bearings, when Mebane uttered an excla-
mation and pointed to the opposite side of the river. About
half a dozen Yankees were seen loading their guns while they
ran towards the river, which at this point was not more than
fifty yards wide. The intention of these Yankees was evidently
to reach a point opposite where Mebane and his companion could
be easily shot. It was a perilous position. To run down the
river from whence they came would have brought them nearer to
the Yankees ; to run up the stream was also impossible ; to go
up the hill towards the redoubts would have made themselves
better targets. The Yankees were now about one hundred and
twenty-five yards away, and could easily have picked them off,
but they wished to get still nearer. At this juncture, in mere
44
690 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
desperation, Mebane's companion raised his telescope, flashing in
the sunlight, and pointed it towards the foe, when to their utter
surprise the Yankees turned and fled to the cover of the woods.
Mebane and his companion ascended the hill to the redoubts,
receiving the congratulations of the artillerymen, who were watch-
ing the proceedings and were preparing to come to their aid.
The Thirteenth Regiment, after a few days' stay at Mulberry
Island, was ordered to a point two miles west of Yorktown.
Here the regiment at once fortified itself to stop the advance of
the enemy up the Peninsula. Nothing broke the monotony of
camp-life save occasionally a false alarm from the picket line,
and by an agreement between the pickets this was soon stopped.
It was done in this way : As soon as new pickets were put on
guard a cry would come from a Yankee or Confederate: "Do
you want to trade ?" " Yes." " Then meet half way." It was
well known what each had to trade. The Confederate had to-
bacco and the Yankee coffee. An exchange was soon made —
one pound of coffee for a plug of tobacco — but the Yankee often
cheated us, palming off chicory for coffee. It may be that
he knew no better. While here we were ordered to march
double-quick to Dam No. 10, where we could hear firing along
the line. To us, who had never been under fire, it sounded like
a big battle, and we had no doubt but that we should soon have
our mettle tested. On arrival at Dam No. 10 we were told that
the Fifteenth New Jersey had attempted a reconnaissance in force
at that point, but soon found that it was quite hazardous and
retired, after losing several in killed and wounded, with no loss
on our side. These dams were constructed by General John-
ston to enable him to hold his line with few troops where these
dams were located, so that he might spare a greater number for
the weaker points. "While here our first year's enlistment ex-
pired, but, with few exceptions, all re-enlisted.
It was towards the last of April when, having built our fires
to cook supper, we received orders to march towards Williams-
burg. The retreat from Yorktown to Williamsburg can never
be forgotten. The rains had saturated the ground and no such
Thirteenth Regiment. 691
thing as dry land could be found. The roads were cut up by
the artillery and commissary wagons until the mud was knee-
deep. In some places they seemed to have no bottom, and at
these places the sides of the road were piled up with camp equi-
page, as it was impossible for the teams to pull a loaded wagon.
In the darkness it was impossible to preserve any order, and
many, overcome by the arduous march, laid down by the way-side
and slept. Many of our men would have been taken by the.
enemy on their advance had it not been that a faithful rear-guard
roused them next morning and brought them to camp. As it
happened, not one of the Thirteenth was captured, except a few
sick. Among these was Captain T. T. Lawson, of Company H,
in this county. He was carried across York River by one of
his men to a family by the name of Dean, where he was cap-
tured by Ben Butler.
On the morning of the 4th of May, 1862, we entered Wil-
liamsburg and camped near William and Mary College. Here
rations were distributed and preparations made for breakfast.
Before this could be done the booming of cannon and the fire, of
musketry could be heard in our rear. A courier rode up and
we were ordered to retrace our steps and go into battle. As we
passed through the town ladies were in their front porches with
waving handkerchiefs and tear-stained eyes, begging us not to
let the enemy enter their town. This, of course, we promised to
do. On our arrival at the outskirts of the town we met a ser-
vant on horseback, bearing in his arms the lifeless body of his
master, the Colonel of the First Mississippi. A broad, open
plateau lay spread out before us, bordered in the distance by a
wood. In the edge of this wood we could see the smoke of the
battle then raging and hear the rattle of the musketry, enliv-
ened occasionally by the booming of cannon. Owing to the
condition of the roads, few batteries could be placed in position.
As we marched in columns of four, we were halted to let a
battalion of mounted lancers pass, who were advancing obliquely
across the plateau to capture a battery of the enemy to our left.
It was a grand sight. They did their work well, but owing to
692 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
the nature of the ground they could not carry the guns away, but
we learned that the guns were spiked. Arriving at the woods,
we were ordered to unsling our knapsacks and pile them up. A
guide directed us to an earth-work said to have been thrown
up by the Continental army in 1781. Large trees had grown
up in the works. The trench was a foot deep in water, but
into this we had to go, while the rain, still falling, continually
added to its depth. It was the first fight, and never were men
more eager for the fray. On our right and left we could still
hear volleys of musketry. In our anxiety many soldiers stood
upon the brow of the embankment, peering through the murky
atmosphere to see if they could not get a glimpse of the foe.
During the day, however, the Thirteenth Regiment was to prove
of what stuff it was made. The old works we occupied were
semi-circular in shape, and we were on the inside of the semi-
circle. It was so foggy and damp in the woods that it was
impossible to distinguish friend from foe thirty yards away. A
body of men approached the left of our works, where the Edge-
combe Guards, Captain Bailey's Company, of Rockingham, a
company from Davie county and an Alamance or Caswell
company were in a line. Our men prepared for their reception,
but were thrown off their guard by the advancing column exclaim-
ing : "Don't shoot; we are friends!" But soon they poured a
volley into the ranks of these companies. Our men were thrown
at first into some confusion, but soon returned the volley with
interest and then charged with the bayonet, and bayonets were
actually locked that day, the first time during the war. The
enemy was driven back and made no further demonstration on
our front. In this engagement Captain Bailey was badly
wounded. A private by the name of Knott was captured, who
was seen using the butt of his gun as he was hurried back.
There were only eight or ten casualties in the regiment. Owing
to the position we occupied a large part of the regiment could
not engage in the conflict, as to reach the enemy we would be
compelled to fire through our own ranks, but the bullets from
the enemy whizzed all around us. It required more courage
Thirteenth Kegiment. 693
under such circumstances than when we could return the quid pro
quo. We were kept on the qui vive during the remainder of the
day, and darkness came on as black as an Egyptian midnight.
You could not distinguish the soldier at your right or left. In
this position we lay until 10 p. M. The only sounds to be heard
were the cries of wounded men for water. At this hour Cap-
tain E. B. Withers made his way back to the rear and met up
with General Pryor. General Pryor told him that all the troops
had been ordered back to Williamsburg and that we had evi-
dently been overlooked, as we occupied an advanced position on
the line. Captain Withers, on his return, reported his infor-
mation to Colonel Scales, and the word was whispered from man
to man to follow the man in his front, not to say a word and not to
break a stick in stepping. Silently, still as death, we filed out in
Indian style until we reached the point where our knapsacks
had been piled up. Each one took a knapsack and by compari-
son next day each soldier got his own. Arriving at Williams-
burg, we built up large fires, drying ourselves off as best we
could, but before the fires were burnt down we were on our way,
retreating towards Richmond. The enemy were so much worsted
by the battle at Williamsburg that no effort was made to follow
us closely. " Beware of Johntson's retreat " was a proverb from
that day.
We went into camp near Richmond, Va., and led an un-
eventful life until the battle of Seven Pines. The night
before the battle a very hard rain fell, raising the Chickahominy
so high that General Johnston conceived the plan of capturing
the forces of the enemy that had crossed the stream. Fighting
had commenced when we arrived on the battlefield and took
our position. We were soon ordered from our first position to
a point near the Seven Pines house. As we approached at as
rapid a pace as the mud would permit we saw General D. H.
Hill rise in his stirrups and call to Colonel (afterwards General)
A. M. Scales in a loud voice that could be heard nearly half a
mile : " Colonel Scales, come and occupy the position that these
cowardly Virginians have fled from!" pointing to the Ninth
694 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Virginia, which lay in a ditch near by. The Ninth Virginia,
we learned, was a regiment just from barracks in Norfolk, and
afterwards did as good fighting as any regiment in the Army of
Northern Virginia. The Thirteenth, with the Fourteenth North
Carolina on our right, formed an excellent line and marched
over these troops, who retaliated by saying: "Yes, go and fight
like you did at Roanoke and Hatteras !" We were not long in
occupying the abanboned position, a battery of the enemy play-
ing on us as we advanced. The shells from this battery passed
over our heads and only one man was wounded. We did not
fire a shot. The report soon reached us that the enemy had
recrossed the river, and, retracing our steps, we went back to our
camp. There was nothing to break the monotony of camp-life
until General Lee concluded to turn McClellan's right flank and
drive him from Richmond. Among the battles that were fought
the Thirteenth suffered most at Cold Harbor and Malvern Hill.
At Cold Harbor we charged and captured a battery of the enemy,
losing, however, many of our bravest men. At Malvern Hill
the Thirteenth fought gallantly, losing many men, but held
their position until ordered to retire. The Thirteenth was also
engaged in the fights at Mechanicsville and White Oak Swamp,
which battles were inscribed on their battle-flag.
While McClellan's army was wasting away at Harrison's
Landing by disease the invasion of Maryland was agreed upon.
The long march was uneventful, but from the kindness of the
people of Virginia on the route it was the unanimous verdict of
the troops that the people of the Valley of Virginia were the
best in the world. Garland's Brigade, to which the Tliirteenth
was attached, crossed the Potomac at Point of Rocks on the 14th
of September, 1862. We marched to Frederick City, Md.,
where we camped for a day or two. After battering down a
stone bridge . across the Monocacy River we marched through
Frederick City. The town was ornamented with Confederate
flags, with one notable exception. Barbara Freitchie has been
immortalized in poetry for waving a United States flag from a
building on this occasion, though the incident has been asserted
to have existed only in the imagination of the poet.
Thirteenth Eegiment. 695
The Thirteenth marched across South Mountaia and camped
near the hamlet of Boonsboro. Soon, however, we had to retrace
our steps to meet the enemy on the summit of South Mountain.
On this battlefield the Thirteenth, under command of Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Thomas Ruffin, covered itself with glory. Gar-
land's Brigade was all the force we had to defend the pass against
a division under General Butterfield. Early in the action Gen-
eral Garland fell, mortally wounded, and the command of the
brigade fell to Colonel Duncan K. MacUae. Brigade after brigade
of the enemy assaulted our line, but each time were driven back
with heavy loss. There is hardly any doubt that we killed and
wounded more of the enemy than we had in our ranks. Never
was there a more stubborn contest, for we were told that the line
must be held, that we had no reserves, and that every man must
do his whole duty. Provisions were cooked in camp and carried
up the mountain and our men, were fed in line of battle. I
doubt if there is an instance in the whole war where a single
line of battle held at bay a larger force for a whole day. Owing
to the fact that Colonel Ruffin was very careful of the lives of
his men, cautioning them against unnecessary exposure, and tell-
ing them to avail themselves of the shelter of stones and trees, our
casualties were fewer than could have been expected. There is no
instance in the war where more heroic courage was exhibited than
was shown by the Thirteenth North Carolina in this battle.
Captain Chalmers Glenn, of Rockingham, fell in this battle and
was buried by his faithful servant, Mat, the grave being dug with a
bayonet. It is said that Mat died of a broken heart at the loss
of his best friend, and hence the grave was never found. Frank
Scales, a brother of Dr. JefiF. Scales, of Staten Island, N. Y.,
was wounded and taken prisoner in this fight and was never
heard of afterwards.
About sunset of the 14th of September orders were given
for the wagon train to move and cross the river at WilHamsport,
Md. This move was the result of a flank movement of the
enemy. General Butterfield not being able to take the pass by
direct assault, concluded to flank the brigade of Garland. This
696 NoETH Caeolina Teoops, 1861-65.
necessitated our evacuation of the battlefield at sundown, and the
Thirteenth Regiment, about dark, left for Antietam, or Sharps-
burg. It was afterwards currently reported in the army that by
the carelessness of Adjutant Ratchford, of D. H. Hill's staff.
General Lee's plan of the campaign fell into the enemy's hands,
as McClellan evidently knew of the small force at South
Mountain and that Jackson was at Harper's Ferry,
One of the bloodiest battles of the war was fought at Sharps-
burg. In this battle the Thirteenth fought with great heroism,
losing a great many of its men. In Company H, from Rock-
ingham county, there were only nine men for duty when we got
into Virginia. The other companies lost in the same propor-
tion. The regiment recrossed the Potomac, and the first invasion
of Maryland was over.
The Thirteenth went into camp near the town of Berryville,
Va. Here the only encounter with the enemy was at Snicker's
Gap, where a reconnoitering force of the enemy was driven
back. During the first week in December the Thirteenth made
a rapid march down the Shenandoah Valley to meet Burnside
at Fredericksburg. On the 13th of December this battle took
place and the Thirteenth Regiment was placed in support of a
battery on the heights near the town. It was exposed to
the shells of the enemy all day, with few casualties. The ground
was covered with a skim of snow and it suffered more from the
cold than from the enemy.
The Thirteenth went into camp after this battle at Camp
Gregg, near Guinea Station, where they remained until a few
days before the fight at Chancellorsville. A few days before
this fight the Thirteenth was sent to Louisa county to arrest
deserters. We had been there but a day or two when we received
orders to march to meet Hooker. We cooked up three days'
rations and started just before sundown, marched all night long,
and reached Chancellorsville about 10 o'clock on the day of the
fight. It is said that the distance marched was fifty-seven miles.
It was at the head of our regiment at Chancellorsville that
Generals Lee and Jackson and others stood when the plan was
Thirteenth Regiment. 697
conceived of striking Hooker's flank. Soon we were on the
march, and in the evening, just before dark, we struck Hooker's
men, totally unprepared. We did not fire a shot on the first day,
and were witnesses of the inglorious flight of Siegel's Corps. Night
saved Hooker's army, and but for the wounding of General Jack-
son a night attack would have probably given us the whole army
as prisoners. ,. We slept on our arms in line of battle, ready for the
conflict on the morrow. A short distance from us we could hear
the enemy cutting down trees in our front, using the logs for a
breastwork and sharpening up the laps of the trees so that if
we charged them in the dark we might impale ourselves upon
the sharp points. About sunrise we charged the enemy and
drove them until all of our ammunition was exhausted, when
we were relieved by Iverson's Georgia Brigade. In the rush of
our regiment General Hays and staff were captured by us. Our
loss in killed and wounded, however, was heavy. Three hun-
dred and seventy-five men were killed and wounded out of a
total of about six hundred. After the fight was over General
Pender sent for the officers of the brigade to come to his quar-
ters. He had given very strict orders before the fight. As the
officers of the different regiments came before him he praised or
blamed them as they deserved, but when the officers of the Thir-
teenth came up General Pender said : " Glorious old Thirteenth,
you have covered yourselves with glory." Not a rebuke to a
single officer, for he had twice passed along the battle line, ex-
posing himself, as we thought, unnecessarily, and each time had
seen all doing their full duty. To modify this excessive praise?
it may be well to remember that the Thirteenth Regiment's first
colonel was General Pender. General Pender was a West
Pointer and was a strict disciplinarian, and, as we thought, a
rigid drill-master; but after a few battles, when in most trying
circumstances the regiment was able to keep an unbroken front,
the wisdom of General Pender was fully justified.
Shortly after the battle of Chancellorsville General Lee started
on his Gettysburg campaign; but the immortal Jackson had
succumbed to his wounds, and General Lee was deprived of his
698 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-65.
right bower. The Thirteenth Regiment having again recruited
so as to make a presentable appearance, although not having a
fourth of its original numbers, was ready for the conflict. The
regiment was not in the battles of Cedar Mountain or Second
Manassas.
No incidents occurred worthy of notice on our march through
Maryland into Pennsylvania save one. Just befpre reaching
the town of "Waynesville, Pa., we passed by a house with a large
porch in front, in which an old dutch woman, fat and lusty, sat
rocking herself vigorously in an arm-chair. The band of the
Thirteenth Regiment was playing "Maryland, my Maryland."
On the completion of the tune the old lady arose and in her
broken English screamed at the top of her voice : " Oh, yes !
Oh,yes! It's 'Maryland, my Maryland!' but when you comeback
it will be 'Fire in the mountains; run, boys, run!'" and with a
hoarse, loud laugh she resumed her seat and rocked more vigor-
ously than ever.
In the first day's fight at Gettysburg the Thirteenth had only
one hundred and eighty men in line. We formed a line, with
our left on the road leading from Cashtown to Gettysburg, on a
hill opposite Cemetery Ridge. On getting in about seventy-five
yards of the enemy our men were ordered to lie down. As so
many had been shot down in the advance we did not have men
enough for the final charge. A flank movement was made on
our right by a strong brigade and the enemy driven from their
position. Of the one hundred and eighty men in the regiment
one hundred and fifty were killed and wounded, leaving only
thirty men in the regiment. Only two officers were left, Robert
L. Moir and N, S. Smith.
The next day fifteen men who had been left at Greencastle
joined us and the regiment was recruited to forty-five men. On
the 3d of July the Thirteenth was in the supporting line under
command of R. L. Moir, Second Lieutenant. On emerging
from the woods on the last charge Moir was wounded, and
acting Adjutant N. S. Smith was the only officer left in charge
of the regiment. It now only numbered, as we said above.
Thirteenth Eegiment. 0^70
forty-five men. In the charge twenty- three of them were killed
and woundedj leaving only twenty-two men in the Thirteenth
Regiment. Retreating from Gettysburg, we crossed the Potomac
at Falling Waters, where about one-half of the remainder was
captured, being thrown out as a skirmish line to hold back the
enemy, while Colonel Lawrence, in charge of the brigade, was
enabled to cross the pontoon-bridge to the Virginia side. The
Yankees got possession of the bridge before the skirmish line
could reach it, and the whole line, composed of sixteen to
twenty-five men, was captured.
The writer of this sketch was in command of this line and
was captured. He is not able to give any further sketch of the
Thirteenth Regiment.
N. S." Smith.
ADDITIONAL SKETCH THIRTEENTH REGIMENT.
By T. L. RAWLEY.
Late in the fall of 1863 the Union army crossed the Rappa-
hannock River above Fredericksburg and was confronted by
General Lee, and after some maneuvering recrossed the river
under cover of night, without any general engagement, after
which the Thirteenth Regiment, then a part of Scales' Brigade,
took up winter-quarters a few miles west of Orange Court House,
where it remained until the spring of 1864, except when called
upon to meet raids of the enemy's cavalry along the Rapidan
River to the west.
This was a severe winter, and death, the great reaper, taking
advantage of insufficient rations and raiment, claimed as his
victims many brave officers and men. Among the number was
Captain Thomas T. Lawson, of Company H, who having
recently married and carried his bride with him to camp, died
on February 24, 1864.
Early in May, 1864, the Union army, under command of
■ General U. S. Grant, crossed the Rappahannock River and was
met by the Confederate forces, commanded by General R. E. Lee,
at " The Wilderness, " on the road leading from Orange Court
House to Fredericksburg, on May 5th, where one of the most
desperate battles of the war was fought. Trees eight inches in
diameter were cut down by musket-balls, as very little artillery
was used. This was the beginning of General Grant's " fight it
out on this line if it takes all the summer" campaign, continu-
ing on to the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, Hanover
Junction, etc., to the siege of Petersburg. This regiment was
in the first day's fight, losing a number in killed and wounded.
Among the latter Captain H. L. Guerrant, of Company K, shot
in the hand.
702 North Caeolina Teoops, 1861-65.
At Spottsylvania Court House the regiment was in that ter-
rible re-establishing of the lines where the " horse-shoe " had
been broken and nearly a division of Confederates captured,
suffering mostly from shot and shell, as it was supporting our
batteries.
The regiment was engaged in all the skirmishes and battles
from Spottsylvania Court House to Petersburg, crossing the
James River at Drewry's Bluff on a pontoon-bridge, going into
Petersburg on the train under fire of the enemy's batteries on
the day General Grant got inside the corporate limits. The regi-
ment occupied its position in line defending the city until
August 31st, when it went down to Eeams' Station on the
Petersburg & Weldon Eailroad, wherg the enemy had cut the
road and intrenched themselves. It was engaged in that sharp
and decisive battle in which we captured more than two thousand
prisoners and a battery of artillery, completely routing the
enemy.
This regiment continued on duty around Petersburg during
the winter until Grant's lines were extended far to the south.
On March 31st the regiment was carried to Hatcher's Run,
about eight miles from the city on the Boydton plank-road,
where it aided in holding the enemy in check.
On that memorable Sunday morning, April 2d, the enemy
succeeded in breaking General Lee's lines between this point and
Petersburg, necessitating the falling back of the regiment to
avoid capture. It was here that that gallant and brave ofScer,
Lieutenant-Colonel E. B. Withers, in running the gauntlet,
came so near being captured. Being halted by a blue-jacket with
a musket at a distance of about fifty paces, with the command,
" Stop, you d rebel ! " he replied, " Kiss my foot, you old
rascal!" and but for a failure of the musket to fire one of the
best men in the land might have "fallen asleep." The regi-
ment had a sharp engagement with the enemy about noon of this
day, losing several' good meh, but checking this advance. It
was for several days under almost continuous fire in covering
General Lee's retreat.
Thirteenth Eegimbnt. 703
On Sunday morning, April 9th, about 9 o'clock,- as the regi-
ment was forming line of battle in plain view of the enemy, the
command passed down the line, " Cease firing ! " and for the first
time in four years was such a command ever heard or heeded
with an enemy in sight.
On Wednesday, April 12th, at 2 o'clock p. m., in the historic
village of Appomattox Court House, Va., in front of a Federal
brigade standing at present arms, the Thirteenth Regiment
North Carolina Troops stacked its full quota of muskets, thus
helping to make up a greater total from North Carolina than
from the remainder of General Lee's army.
T. L. Eawley.
FOURTEENTH REGIMENT.
]. Junius Daniel, Colonel.
3. William A. Johnston, Lient.-Colonel.
3. James Wright Tracy, Chief Surgeon.
4. Necdham Bryan Cobb, Chaplain.
FOURTEENTH REGIMENT.
By colonel R. T. BENNETT,
It is fittiag and proper to put upon record at the outset of this
sketch our sincere and ardent thanks to the surviving officers and
men of the Fourteenth Regiment of North Carolina^Troops for
the unbroken constancy, patient submission to discipline/uniform
valor and good nature maintained by them throughout the war
between the Government and the Confederate States. The dead
of the regiment are beyond the tribute of tears.
The field, staff and company officers of the Fourteenth Regi-
ment of North Carolina Troops may be found in-orders from
the Adjutant-General's office at Raleigh, N. C, dated]November
1, 1861, and January 1, 1864. These orders were published in
pamphlet form by authority of the State.
In the "Roster of North Carolina Troops," compiled by
Major John W. Moore, and completed in three volumes, the field,
staff and company officers, the non-commissioned officers and
private soldiers of the Fourteenth Regiment of North^Carolina
Troops may be found in enduring shape and with^ reasonable
approach to accuracy.
These volumes should be found in the Superior CourtJClerk's
office of every county in this State. It is impossible to give,
within the space allowed to this sketch, the names of the officers
and men of the Fourteenth Regiment of North Carolina Troops.
Justice may be rendered to officers and private soldiers alike by
pointing the attention of the reading public to the orders from
the Adjutant-General's office, of the dates and tenor aforesaid,
and to the roster of troops adverted to further back-in this sketch.
The names of the officers should not be repeated here'uncoupled
from their immortal comrades, who, to borrow the words of David
45
706 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Hume in describing the virtuous life and consistent end of Sir
Tliomas Moore, "followed their principles and their sense of
duty and conquered the admiration of mankind."
The Fourteenth Regiment of North Carolina Troops, organ-
ized originally as the Fourth Regiment of North Carolina
Troops, was formed at Garysburg, N. C, early in June, 1861,
and was composed of patriotic and eager men and youths, who
tendered their services to the State to maintain the dignity and
rights of the State in the conflict then imminent.
Of the one thousand four hundred officers and men of the regi-
ment borne upon the muster-rolls from the outbreak of the war
until Palm Sunday in 1865, when the pale flag of defeat drooped
over the guns which had upheld the life of the " New Nation,"
scarcely fifty escaped wounds during their service. Captain
Cherry, of Company A (Roanoke Minute Men), a capable and
promising ofiicer, died of wounds received in the early operations
of the second battle of Fredericksburg.
Eli Freeman, Captain of Company C (Anson Guard), was
killed at Bethesda Church, May 30, 1864. He was a native of
the State of Ohio, who came South to work at his trade as car-
riage-builder. He was a skilled workman in iron, a very hand-
some man, of pleasing address, with hair and beard of raven
blackness. As soon as the interest of the living permitted I
went to do the last sad duty to the dead captain. He lay upon
the battlefield, and some kindly hand had drawn his hat over his
face, leaving the same jaunty look which distinguished him in
life, now mirrored in death. It was a beautiful day, laden with
the breath of spring. As the wind came up from the deserted
chambers of the South it ran its fingers through his beautiful
locks and they vibrated as if still instinct with life.
There are days in the battle experience of courageous men when
they are lifted up above their comrades and perform prodigies of
valor— all authentic history contains such instances. Likewise
battalions, regiments and brigades now and then accomplish feats
of arms which surprise the very participants therein. When once
a fighting force realizes that it is doing heroic work the ordinary
participant in it becomes heroic.
Fourteenth Regiment. 707
While the corps of Lieutenant-General Jackson was on the
march from Fredericksburg to confront Hooker at Chancellors-
ville, General Jackson rode at full speed the entire length of his
command, then at a rest with guns stacked in irregular order,
without displacing a single piece. On that day and occasion his
countenance beamed with transcendent force of expression. He
looked the very incarnation of war. It may have been that God
mercifully showed him to his command in the hour of his super-
lative greatness to comfort and inspire them. I remember, as if
it was yesterday, the fierce gallop which brought him on, how
his hat was carried in his right hand, his arm well extended, and
how I said in thought it becomes me to maintain a reasonable
gravity as this chieftain passes by; but as he burst with increas-
ing swiftness through the head of the line my soul followed him
in a very transport of applause. If I could then have felt as I
feel now, looking back to the humiliations of defeat and the
horrors of the peace that was to follow — if I could then have
realized that old heroes have more cool determination than
young ones; that old heroes are far removed from the early
warmth of youth — they have more audacity because nearer
death — what have they to lose? If I could then have realized
all this and laid it to my heart, I might have lighted a spirit in
my regiment which the blood of a dozen hostile battalions could
not have put out. Alas ! we cannot annihilate the past.
William M. Weir, Captain of Company D (Cleveland Blues),
a loyal and faithful officer, with a great body and a spirit as fear-
less as ever animated mortal man, perished in 1864.
Captain William T. Pool, of Company E (Oak City Guards),
the only son of a widowed mother, just and brave, full of intel-
ligence, very shapely in his person, apparently anticipating the
very order, was shot to death in front of Charlestown, Va.,
August, 1864.
Captain James R. DeBerry, of Company H (Stanly Marks-
men), who was killed in the very forefront of battle, sprung
from stock always dutiful, always honest, and he never ques-
tioned an order nor deemed 'any odds of battle as desperate in
advance.
708 North Caeolina Teoops, 1861-65.
I put this solemn memorial on record, that no regimental com-
mander during that war, which in " the process of the sun " has
become so tender a memory, was more fortunate in the field, staff
and company officers as a whole than the commander of the
Fourteenth Regiment of North Carolina Troops.
Captain Wilson T. Jenkins, of Company A, was full of cour-
age and cheerfulness. He is yet spared to the State and his
friends.
Captain James M. Gudger, of Company F (Rough-and-Ready
Guard), which Zebulon Baird Vance, whose memory is ever green
in the homes of our State, originally carried out and for some
months commanded, was fearfully wounded and entitled to a
discharge on account of the disability, but held on to his boys
until the war was fought out. There was no man in the army of
the South of his rank who was more reliable as an officer and
soldier.
Captain Thomas B. Bealle, of Company I (Davidson "Wild
Cats), was as dear a soul as ever went to battle ; as tender-hearted
as the most refined woman, brave and pure. I fetch out of the
very secret chamber of my feelings this testimony and put it
on this white paper in these characters of mourning to stand
after some time be passed, that Thomas B. Bealle's was as beau-
tiful a service as our humanity is capable of.
The great Napoleon said in his will of his Surgeon-in-Chief :
" He was the most virtuous man I have known." I cannot say
as much of any man, living or dead, whom I have known. I
have never known the best man.
The military history of civil wars is never an exhilarating
study. Such wars necessarily begin in local struggles, deter-
mined by political or accidental circumstances, and regular cam-
paigns, conforming to the higher principles of military arts, are
possible only when the combatants have become organized and
coherent bodies. The supreme issues raised in the trenjendous
conflict begun in 1861 are yet hotly debated.
A great body of our citizens continues to resist the extrava-
gant claim of power by the general government under color of
Fourteenth Regiment. 709
the Constitution, born of the iron spirit of the war and nurtured
by success in fighting it.
My instinct prompts me to make this sisetch set forth in con-
siderable degree the personal as distinguished from the profes-
sional features of the men, the struggle, the regiment^and the
fighting. May be it would have fetched me more sympathy to
have gone on to the accomplishment of my purpose as if un-
conscious of the motive, but I felt the need of confronting pub-
lic expectation with this avowal.
The Fourteenth Regiment of North Carolina Troops was
sent quickly after organization to the department at Norfolk.
The command was stationed at Camp Bragg, near Suffolk, then
at Camp Ellis, in the edge of the town of Suffolk, and was
marched thence in the autumn to Camp Bee, near Burwell's Bay,
where it remained until the spring of 1862. General Pember-
ton was our first brigadier, then General Raleigh E. Colston.
When the developments of the Peninsula campaign required
it, we went under orders to the Warwick River, but returned to
Camp Bee after serving on General Magruder's lines a few days.
The stay at camp was soon broken. Camp Bee was abandoned and
we joined the forces at Yorktown. From this time until the
unspeakable sorrow at Appomattox the regiment was part and
parcel of the Army of Northern Virginia — shared the sorrows
and joys of that army and made a manly contribution to the
victories and the record of the same. The first considerable
march of the regiment was from Suffolk towards Burwell's Bay.
My observation of this performance and my experience of the
war satisfied me that the first requisite and essential in the sol-
dier's training was marching; a high power of locomotion in
going towards the enemy is as necessary as a snail's gait in going
from him.
It is imputed to General Thomas Jonathan Jackson that at
Manassas, before the shadow of our victory was long, he said :
"With ten thousand men we would take Washington City on the
morrow." I believe he said it and am confident he meant it. He
was then conscious of his native genius for war, more sanguine
710 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
of success, though not braver than the illustrious Lee. He must
have felt a sort of intoxication for battle. What a privilege to an
ardent mind with unusual receptivity of faculties to know the
inner thought of so consummate a soul! I say it with my hand
over my face, but it seems to me if General Robert E. Lee, Gen-
eral Jackson, General Joseph E. Johnston and General Albert S.
Johnston had descended now and then to the level of the ordi-
nary soldier in our armies and had personal contact with them,
it would have imparted to them more of their heroic spirit and
a higher emulation of their conduct and example. There would
have been no deterioration of the soldier by such familiarity.
Our men had reverence for those above them, reverence for them-
selves and for those beneath them. Thackeray says : " There is
always a certain cachet about great men: they may be as mean
on many points as you or I, but they carry their great air; they
speak of common life more largely and generously than common
men do; they regard the world with a manlier countenance and
see its real features more fairly than the timid shuifiers, who only
dare to look up at them through blinkers, or to have an opin-
ion when there is a crowd to back it."
Much of the steadiness and efSciency of the regiment was due to
the energy and intelligence of Colonel Junius Daniel, the first com-
mander. He impressed officers and privates alike by his sound,
practical judgment in theory and application. When the regiment
took camp in the edge of Suffolk the supply of drinking water
came from one spring. He directed the water from this spring to
be discharged through a wooden pipe into a large box — drinking
water was caught from the discharge pipe and the animals drank
from the box. The most thorough and searching police of the
camps gave the command a sound estimate of cleanliness. Some
one has said cleanliness in its last analysis is virtue.
In the fighting at Williamsburg the Fourteenth Regiment lost
eight killed and nine wounded. Sergeant Hamilton, of Wake,
lost both eyes, Henry Sanders, of Anson, was very forward in the
fighting. Henry W. Robinson, of the latter county, was upstand-
ing through the fight in spite of entreaty and orders. Every
Fourteenth Eegiment. 711
man of the regiment behaved admirably. Though engaged in
the bloody battle of Seven Pines, the losses were less than at
Williamsburg. I have always insisted that the troops from
every State of the Confederacy were quite alike in courage and
hardihood. All were at times less steady than their wont. I
have no patience with the temper which points to the unbecom-
ing pauses in the services of regiments.
The Fourteenth Regiment attained very great perfection in
drill and marching. Brigadier Ramseur and General Rodes
witnessed the drill of the regiments in the winter of 1863-'64.
The command was inspired by the test and were as steady and
uniform as a battalion could be. General Ramseur declared in
the presence of the Major-General that the regiment performed
with as much precision as the corps of Cadets at West Point.
Every officer evinced personal pride in the command and exerted
a moral influence in its government, so that in the hour of battle
they went forward conscious of dependence upon each other and
with faith that the line would stand together as long as endur-
ance was a duty. It would fatigue the patience of readers if we
gave in this sketch the minute details of soldier duty and soldier
life.
The drum corps of the regiment was kept up all through
the war. William Vaughn, the fifer, could get more thrilling
strains out of his instrument than any one I have heard, assisted
by Albert Carter, James Puttick, James Lewis and Albert
Robarts : first and last, tattoo, taps and reveille were pieces of
high art.
In the seven days' fighting around Richmond the regiment
was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel William Johnston, a
brave officer, very capable and attentive to his duties. The
Colonel of the regiment lay sick of a fever. The command
acquitted itself with stout courage all these days. It was
in one of these fights that Lieutenant Marcellus Thompson,
of Company E, son of Mr. George W. Thompson, of Wake
county, who died a year or so ago at a very advanced age, pos-
sessing the confidence and esteem of the people of his county,
■was killed. He made an enduring impression on my memory by
712 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
tis agreeable manners, considerable sense of humor, keen appre-
ciation of a joke and fondness for the lottery of life. Having
acted as commissary of subsistence for the regiment six months,
I knew the command in its weakest parts, and insist that, with
trifling exceptions, the command showed its good breeding and
manners by suppressing disappointment over poor rations.
The first great baptism of blood in our regimental experience
was at Sharpsburg. Our position in the "bloody lane" has become
historical and deserves immortality. In the most exposed part
of the lane the regiment held its ground, repelling every stroke
of the enemy from sunrise until late in the afternoon. It was a
terrific battle. Nature was in her most peaceful mood ; the
autumn sun was without caprice. I watched the tide of this
battle with intense interest while the combatants thundered
away. The open fields to the left oblique of our regimental
position were fought over and over with varying fortune. Now
the flag of the Government was on the summit of a hill for
which all were striving, then the tide went back and the ensign
of the Confederate States was to the fore.
There must be something decisive in fetching the last squadron
on the field. It is as decisive or more so than getting there first with
the most men. With two hundred and fifty mounted men, resolute
in their courage, ready for " push of pike," thrown in the very
crisis of these occasions, upon the indecision of either side, victory
must have come. The commanding general may well consider the
advantage of having attached to considerable bodies of infantry
some force of cavalry for these lost opportunities. We came out
of this battle baffled of victory, but we fetched with us a sense
of superiority which nothing but exhaustion could shake. All
the day long the soldiers of my command maintained their high
sense of duty and exhibited the same exalted courage which is
the pride of the South. None faltered; all did well; some out-
did themselves. It would be difficult for any true soldier to
name a day in his battle experience which he enjoyed more than
the day at Sharpsburg. It was splendid.
The interval betwixt Sharpsburg and the first battle at Fred-
Fourteenth Regiment. 713
firicksburg filled the ranks with brave men. There are moments
in battle of extraordinary felicity, not so much from success as
from the very grandeur of the situation. First Fredericksburg
afforded such an occasion. The ridge extending from Hamil-
ton's Crossing in a circle towards the town was then studded
with great oaks. The enemy's guns were hurling shot and shell
into this growth and advancing battalions from our side were
hurrying to the chasm in our lines. The very sulphur from
exploding- shells was in the air. When Captain Joseph Jones,
of Company K, a genial soul with pleasing face and the heart of
a lion, said to me: "Could you beat this?" I had time to say:
"It's splendid." Here we had an opportunity to observe Major
Pelham in charge of our artillery. It was the opportunity of a
life-time to see General Jackson and hear him talk to this pic-
turesque youth, who was manly and confident. He was a hand-
some boy, faultlessly dressed, and told without affectation the story
of yesterday's dreadful ordeal. I ventured to ask General Jack-
son what to do with some of my regiment for whom there was
no room in the ditch. " Put them out of harm's way," was the
laconic answer. "The enemy are gone, after a fearful punish-
, ment; they stole away in the night."
The winter of 1862-'63 was a trying one, spent in camp and
picket duties, guarding the Rappahannock.
In North Carolina some evil-disposed persons raised hue and
cry against the war and thundered through their newspapers at
the rear of Richmond. The articles of war and army regula-
tions forbade regiments holding political meetings, but by a sort
of pious evasion such a meeting was held in the Fourteenth
Regiment of North Carolina Troops and resolutions passed which
were printed in the Richmond papers. I recall one of these
resolutions:
" From our distant bivouac on the frozen banks of the Rap-
pahannock, we conjure our fellow-citizens to beware, lest this
struggle, already consecrated by much of the best blood of the
State, be turned to our shame and humiliation."
714 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
North Carolina soldiers were as brave and worthy as any who
gave their services to the Confederacy, but candor constrains me
to record the fact that some politicians of the State did much to
embarrass the operations of our armies and defeat the establish-
ment of our Government. " May their attainder never be
reversed nor their crimes forgotten."
The spring of 1863 opened with the prospect of the Confed-
eracy unclouded in the East. The men of the Fourteenth Regi-
ment of North Carolina Troops hailed the dawn of the campaign
with beautiful confidence in the future. (The regiment had cul-
tivated every moral virtue, led by their capable and goodly Chap-
lain, Rev. W. C. Power, who is still in the service of our
•Gracious Master — most of them had joined the church). If I
had then known that which experience has taught me, the regi-
ment would have stamped sublimity upon the uniform of its
conscripts. My ignorance, or misfortune, if you please to call it
so, arrested the development of an irresistible engine of war, yet
I did my duty as I saw it and understood it. I was not slothful;
I was obedient and loyal to the cause and earned frequent men-
tion in reports.
We were detained a day or so at Fredericksburg, while General
Lee penetrated the plans of General Hooker, then we had swift
orders to march to Chancellorsvill^. Ordinary minds recall only
focal points of the far away past. In that march my regiment was
the head of General Jackson's Corps. When we came into con-
tact with the enemy. General Ramseur, under the eye of General
Lee, formed his brigade in hollow square and at once pushed
him. He retired within his breastworks, abandoning in the
hurry piles of knapsacks and other impedimenta, thrown down
by design when they first deployed to the front. We lost several
men severely wounded. We were relieved by a Tennessee com-
mand and rested on our arms near the Catharine Furnace road.
Soldiers never moved in more precise order than our advance in
brigade square. The morrow was destined to be a great day in
strategy and battle.
"Punctuality," said the ancients, "is the cream of time."
Fourteenth Regiment. 715
The march around General Hooker's front began at an early
hour of the day and was sustained several hours. The enemy
had but one glimpse of Jackson's Corps while this movement
was in execution. This their commander accepted as proof of
our retreat and he instantly advised his Government of our dis-
comfiture and flight. The heavy woodland through which the
route lay concealed our development and the roads from the
enemy's front towards us were gorged with our cavalry. The
men marched much of the way in silence. As a man who has
a grave message to deliver, from his own consciousness sometimes
lays his finger across his lips in token of his gravid state, so these
men, about to give their stroke, communed in silence upon their
purpose. We were at length in battle order, and from rank to
rank the command was borne in underbreath along the fronts of
regiments and we went forward. The first contact with the enemy
found his flank and rear assailed. *He yields! He flies!! I
recall one thing in that advance through tangled vines and under-
growth, shadowed by great trees : a turkey-gobbler, " free-born
wanderer" of his native wood, arose in distracted flight and
escaped without hue or cry in his pursuit. The sublime had a
close neighbor. The disordered retreat of the Eleventh Corps
became a rout. We pressed the enemy with eagerness and the
Army of the Potomac was saVed from panic by the cohesion and
spirit imparted to it by the capable, accomplished and eminent
but unappreciated soldier. General McClellan, whom I regard as
the most talented commander that served the Government in that
Herculean struggle. Night proved the best ally of the enemy.
Under cover of darkness he pushed fresh soldiers into positions
and made new alignments of his forces. Their positions were
strengthened by such breastworks as could be improvised on the
spot. In this awful pause a calamity befell the Confederate
States which the ordinary man could not then measure, but which
is now painfully apparent to every man who in his conscience
and spirit deemed the success of the Confederate States of stu-
penduous moment to its citizens.
The accident which struck down the corps commander in the
716 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
exultant hour of victory did not stay the fierceness of the onset
of our troops next morning. Eanaseur's Brigade was ordered to
replace some troops thrown into confusion by the loss of their
commander. Into the heavy timber, over breastworks occupied
by disordered and broken troops of different commands, we went
forward. As I looked back to the scene it reminded me of an
advance through a wide gate-way along an avenue peopled with
every agency of death and destruction. Shot and shell, buck
and ball rained upon us. Nature herself took part in the tumult;
exploding missiles broke off the overhead limbs of trees and dis-
charged them in great loads upon those who in search of cover
crouched at their roots ; the earth echoed their commotion. The
Fourteenth Regiment of North Carolina Troops never did more
trying service than it did this day, nor did the courage of the
regiment in any battle, except the awful day-long fight of the
12th of May, 1864, appear tfercer or more unrelenting. Lieuten-
ant-Colonel William A. Johnston was very active and impressed
the command by his disregard of danger. The enemy, foiled at
all points, drew back his lines from Chaneellorsville and planted
them nearer the fords of the river. Under orders the regiment
returned to the breastworks, having been saluted by General
Robert E. Rodes and publicly thanked on the field by him for
its gallant conduct. It is impossible to single out the name of
any soldier of the regiment and say he was foremost that day.
While Hooker hesitated to recross the river, in the hope
that his stay would break the fall and disappointment at the
North, the sharp-shooters were exposed to trying service. I
remember Edmund Fenton coming in from these lines with his
arm shattered by a ball and blood spurting from his wound every
step. I tied a gallows-string around his arm and he walked to
the surgeon's knife with unruffled patience.
In general it is rash to say any single man has been indispen-
sable in the accomplishment of any great end. Soldiers who
served under General Lee and General Jackson account the
death of the latter a loss to our arms prodigious in measure. His
enterprise, his official initiative and the mystery which enveloped
Fourteenth Regiment. 717
his person and plans, crowned with the intense and powerful
seriousness of his manner, mind and method, clothed him in
public apprehension unrelentingly in earnest from first to last.
History has assigned him a place among the tall forms of the
century. He was a practical mystic.
In June, 1863, tried by the test of achievements, the Army of
Northern Virginia was as tough and efficient as any army of the
same number ever marshaled on this planet. I doubt if any
army, great or small, has mustered among the rank and file so
considerable a proportion of the best men of the land. While
the six or seven centers of spontaneous civilization, from China
to the two American empires, were in full flower, the militant
ranks may have consisted of the very best citizens. Armies now
are, for the most part, less respectable than during the war of
1861-'65.
The movement of the Confederate'forces from Fredericksburg
to Gettysburg was not an accident. The plan was well conceived,
but in its execution, after the invasion of the enemy's country,
miscarried in some particulars essential to success. Soldiers imbued
with the true spirit of subordination never complain at the top
of their voices because of such mistakes. A brave soldier has no
ambition to stand in the front rank of critics after the events. I
mean to say, if General Lee erred in making the invasion upon
the enemy's country, and error was apparent at the time or has
become so since, it is a sorrow to the true Confederate instead of
the subject of ill-tempered remarks. Likewise the observation
made by some that the Confederate cause was foredoomed to fail-
ure is, in view of the temper of those times, the hesitation of a
large part of the Northern people to enter upon the struggle, the
attitude of the President and his advisers, the weight of intelli-
gent opinion and the history of the first fifty years of the Gov-
ernment, a gratuitous after-thought.
The enemy attempted, by a strong cavalry advance, to pene-
trate the Confederate movement. This brought on the very
sharp engagement at Brandy Station. The Fourteenth Regi-
ment, under cover of timber, was kept as support for the cavalry.
718 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
At night we began a very rapid and long sustained march towards
Front Royal and in short order reached Winchester, where Mill-
roy had his headquarters. We did not cut oflf every avenue of
escape. He retreated in darkness, leaving a considerable garri-
son, which capitulated. The Fourteenth Regiment marched by
Berryville and the division enveloped the outlets from Win-
chester towards Harper's Ferry and Shepherdstown. We were
the leading regiment on foot to enter Martinsburg, Jenkins'
Cavalry having gone ahead of us a little way. I recall some
stirring scenes. As we threaded the streets, by-ways and private
lots a young lady of many personal charms, rushing to our head,
seized my reins and told me in moving tones of the oppression
endured by the citizens. In another direction a Dutch woman
of strong Union brawn drew a paddling-stick on Captain Gor-
man and began railing at the hungry Confederates generally:
" You eats up everything; the Union soldiers fetch in something
and you scoundrels wastes it." Gorman's situation was relieved by
the arrival of Lieutenant Harney, of the Rough and Ready
Guards, who told the woman, with affected severity, if she did
not behave herself he would pull every hair out of her head. This
glorious fellow will be heard from again. His career focalized
at Gettysburg and his life was spent there in as brave and tri-
umphant a burst of service as our annals contain.
Wading the Potomac River, we laid at Williamsport, giving
time to the troops in the rear to close up. Thence we marched
to Hagerstown, where two days were spent, then on to Car-
lisle, Pa., where during Sunday Dr. Lacy delivered before
Rodes' Division his address on General Jackson. The orders
of the commanding general for the government of the troops in
the enemy's country, read at the dress-parade of the regiments,
are worthy of the best records and traditions of our race — in
strong contrast with the orders of the Shermans, the Millroys, the
Sheridans and other legalized brigands. Our division had no
contact with the enemy from the Potomac to Gettysburg. We
were on the alert every moment. The instructions to outposts at
night were full and complete. The Fourteenth Regiment was
Fourteenth Regiment. 719
sent upon picket at night near Gettysburg, with orders to stop
every living thing. Away down in the night Lieutenant-Col-
onel White, with a battalion on horseback, came to our pickets.
We let him in after wary examination of his account of his com-
mand. In the next twenty-four hours the guns had fired the first
shot at Gettysburg. We came uppn the battlefield about 2 o'clock
in the afternoon of the first day. The enemy were then so far
as our brigade front, extended behind a strong stone wall, such
as are used as fences there. We assailed in front, the Fourteenth
Regiment lapping their right. We beat them quickly, capturing
prisoners, with small loss to ourselves. To our left the ground
broke down from a high ridge to a level of twenty-five acres.
Over this ground the enemy was retreating in some order before
Doles' Brigade and other troops. As we routed these people from
the stone wall a column of them, looking the size of a brigade,
emerged from a depression in the ground to our right and
marched in very quick time along a railroad embankment and
track into Gettysburg. I am not certain where these troops came
from, but I suppose they marched out of the railroad cut. May
be they had withdrawn from the very high ridge to the right of
the railroad into the road-way as offering a more protected line of
retreat. The commander rode at their head and our artillery
harassed their rear. I could almost hear their bones crunch
under the shot and shell. It was a hot day and our men were
much distressed by the heat and work. We straggled into town
and then formed as quick as possible. Many of our command were
overcome by the heat, and I go upon record now and here as say-
ing that immediate and effective pursuit of the enemy was out
of our power. The sharp-shooters of my regiment, under com-
mand of Lieutenant Harney, pursued the enemy, and Harney
captured with his own hand the colors of the Sixty-eighth Michi-
gan and sent the captured flag to President Davis with his last
breath. He was mortally shot in the bowels while in pursuit of
these men. I think he was as reliable as any officer of his rank
in the Confederate armies.
The Fourteenth Regiment of North Carolina Troops was
720 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
moved forward the second day of the battle and occupied a road
runniug through farms. It did not seeoa to be a public high-
way, but the road led straight away from the town and appeared
open in peace times to all comers. Here we were exposed some-
time to the enemy's sharp-shooters, who had friendly lodgment in
houses around the town and thence harassed the command. A
number of the men were fatally hurt at the hands of these sharp-
shooters. Among the wounded was the Colonel of the regiment,
who was shot in several places seriously. This day, the third of
the engagement, the troops engaged in the main assault upon
the enemy suffered the loss of many brave officers and privates.
We retired to prepare our revenge, and at Falling Waters, with
our line extended at considerable length, awaited the onset of the
enemy. Here General Lee issued his battle order and hortatory
address, beginning: "Soldiers of the Army of Northern Vir-
ginia, your old enemy confronts you!"
The Army of Northern Virginia took position at and around
Orange Court House during the summer of 1863. The Rapi-
dan River was the immediate line of cleavage between the hostile
forces. A considerable force was detached from General Long-
street's Corps and sent to the aid of General Bragg. This force
took part in the sanguinary victory at Chickamauga. There were
few serious contacts with the enemy until the advance -upon Cen-
treville, when the unfortunate affair at Bristoe Station occurred.
The line of the Rappahannock River was held some time by our
forces. This we yielded to the enemy under severe pressure at
several points. The Fourteenth Regiment was at Raccoon Ford
and seriously pressed by the forces under General Meade. We
resumed the position south of the Rapidan and were undisturbed
by any advance of the Army of the Potomac until the affair at
Mine Run.
The Fourteenth Regiment was in winter-quarters as part of
the occupying forces during the winter of 1863-'64, except some
weeks devoted to cutting lumber to make plank-roads for army
conveniences. At this lumber camp W. C. Power, Chaplain of the
regiment, completed, by voluntary labor on the part of the men
Fourteenth Regimemt. 721
a chapel built of slabs set upright and covered with plank. This
building was consecrated on a Sunday. The regiment resumed
its place at the front two weeks after the church was consecrated,
built fresh winter-quarters, and, by the perseverance and energy
of the Chaplain and men, moved the "house in the woods" to
the new regimental position, completed it, worshipped in it and
left it in the wilderness when the fierce blast of the spring fight-
ing broke upon the peaceful face of nature. Here we performed
the routine duties. We picketed, prayed, snow-balled, polished
our weapons and prepared our revenge. Desertions became seri-
ous this winter as a symptom and a loss. The Fourteenth Regi-
ment escaped this contagion to such a degree that it was detached
and sent to the rear of the army at Bowling Green to check the
defection. Governor Vance, with two or more of his personal
staff, visited the army this spring and delivered several enthusi-
astic and hopeful speeches to the men and officers. He was then
an advanced Confederate, having learned rapidly as events were
accomplished in his view and under his intelligent observation.
It became a family question among the regiments as to who should
take the Governor to dine. This good fortune fell to the Four-
teenth, his original regiment. The Chaplain, who was a good
provider, fetched his cook and provisions and joined his kettle
and pans to the limited supply at headquarters, and by this for-
tunate union we laid covers for the company. The lack of seats
and apprehension as to the supply on the table made it necessary
for some of the headquarters to stand off and await develop-
ments. The Colonel served by standing and waiting. The
fried tarts did the work and saved a remnant for the rear rank.
When the Army of the Potomac began the campaign of 1864
the brigade to which this regiment belonged was picketing on
the south bank of the Rapidan River. The first contact of the
hostile forces in that campaign was about the 5th of May. We
laid that night upon the edge of the battlefield and next morn-
ing early the feai-ful fray burst upon us. We met part of Gen-
eral Burnside's Corps. Among the captures were copies of the
Bible in the Ojibwa language. He had one or more companies
46
722 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-'65.
of these people as sharp-shooters. Every day we were fighting,
killing and being killed. Every virtue of the faithful soldier
was exemplified in the conduct of our troops. As the flank move-
ment of General Grant became uncovered to laymen our soldiers
vied in their efforts to be there when the enemy struck his blow.
It was enough to stimulate men and officers on the march to
meet a fresh phase of the enemy's movements to remind him
that General Lee was anxious to reach his destination in time
to give him a warm reception. Thus it went day after day, night
after night. No human intellect, no sterling, ardent soldier in
our ranks or elsewhere will ever put upon record an account of
our men, their spirit, their temper, their deeds and their valor
which will equal in all respects the reality as it was.
I recall the long and rapid march of May 8, 1864, completed
just in time to face the enemy as he rushed to envelope Hum-
phrey's Brigade of Mississippians. We struck them full in the
face. That night we lay with our arms on us, one or two men
of each company standing up and peering into the darkness, if
perchance the enemy might be discerned. The night wore away
with no noise in our lines louder than the wary walk of a trained
soldier.
. The next day, or the next day but one, Russell's Division of
the enemy, penetrating the thick cover of old field pines and
other growth between us, suddenly emerged from cover in broken
order and came upon us at the double. They struck a Georgia
brigade and, mounting the works, flowed over into the trenches.
Here they killed fifty-six men with bayonet wounds, so I heard
Colonel Willis, of Georgia, say. Our brigade was immediately
to the Georgians' left and took care of the enemy's extreme right,
which never reached the works. As quickly as could be, several
brigades, under command of General Gordon, threw themselves
upon Eussell, delivering a counter stroke, which sent the rem-
nant of his command staggering back dreadfully punished. I
saw six colonels of Russell's Division lying dead a little to the
rear of our works an hour or so after his retreat. Just before
the enemy delivered this assault General Lee, whose headquar-
FOUKTBENTH REGIMENT. 723
ters were in a house a hundred or so yards to the rear of our
brigade, mounted his horse and in company with one or two
officers went away at a walk. In ten minutes he was coming
back at a very rapid canter, quickly dismounting and running
into the house. He came out just as the head of Gordon's force
got opposite the point where the enemy struck our works. I
have often marveled whether General Lee divined the immi-
nence of this attack from his interior consciousness as a military
genius or acted upon reports of trusted subordinates. The one is
as probable as the other. The situation was daily and nightly
strung up to the highest point of endurance. It was a relief to
have an engagement open all along the line as it did the 12th of
May at Spottsylvania. This is to me the most memorable day
of our war. It opened with a serious reverse to our arms. Gen-
eral Ramseur's Brigade was at once formed on rising ground and
the peril of the situation was open to all as by sudden impulse.
A section of the Richmond Howitzers, commanded by brothers
named Jones, men of high courage, as shown there, was so exposed
to the fire of the enemy that the gunners were driven off or dis-
abled. Captain Freeman, Lieutenant Murray, private William
McPherson and others, including the Colonel, assisted to fire
these pieces. Presently we went forward in battle order, wheel-
ing to the left, the Fourteenth Regiment to the left and the Thir-
tieth Regiment the extreme right of the brigade. We drove the
enemy in confusion from the first line of works and, taking a
moment's rest, rushed for the next and stronger line, then held
by the foe in great numbers. I record it with sore grief, little
softened by the lapse of years, that Tisdale Stepp, of the Rough
and Ready Guard, in the front rank, singing "The Bonnie Blue
Flag," was shot dead by an awkward soldier in our rear rank.
We reached the near side of these works while the enemy received
us on the other side, his teeth firmly clinched for the struggle.
I was told that the enemy pulled the Adjutant of the Thirtieth
Regiment over the works by the hair of his head and captured
him. The colors of one of the regiments was pulled out of the
color-bearer's hands and carried off. The situation was extremely
724 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
grave, especially in front of the Thirtieth Regiment. They were
doing all that mortal men could do to stem the fierce course of
battle. Their brave, modest, high-minded Colonel had been
disabled in the advance. I asked General Eamseur's leave to
go with mycommand to the right half of the brigade and succor
them if possible. He was a very brave officer, but hesitated,
hoping some turn of fortune might relieve us without the awful
risk of this moviement. Presently he told me to do as I liked.
Communicating to the regiment the odds about to be faced, we
went down the line and drove into the traverses by a front of
fours. Out of there we expelled fhe enemy, giving him cold
steel and other reforms. I can see in my imagination at the head
of the column, as it drove into one of these bloody pens, a con-
script from Edgecombe county in the very forefront, without a
gun, using an iron ramrod as his support and weapon, shouting
to his comrades to strike home. The boys had petted the old
man, who complained all the time of his rheumatic pains and told
the boys never to run away in a fight and leave him. I think he
was tired of life; he perished gloriously. We beat the enemy, a
re-inforcement coming to his aid being almost annihilated. We
pushed him away from our immediate front. It was midday
by this time, and the spectacle around and about us was very unus-
ual in battles which are not sieges. The air away up hundreds of
feet was groaning with all the hideous deviltry of war. Mortar
shells, poising high above us with their discordant notes, came
down with the unmistakable thudi About the middle of the
afternoon a red oak many inches in diameter yielded to the storm
of missiles and fell to the ground. A section of this tree, the
lap of which brushed when falling a few yards from my regi-
ment, is preserved at the war office of the enemy in Washington
City. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon word came down from
the horse-shoe in the lines yet held by the enemy: "Send us
ammunition, or we must surrender." A call for volunteers was
answered as quick as thought, and John W. McGregor and
Charley Cox, of Anson, Sergeants Ingram, of Wake county, and
Dixon, of Cleveland, swung two boxes of cartridges on rails and
Fourteenth Regiment. 725
delivered them to General tlarris, of Mississippi, at the very
summit of the horse-shoe. The rattle of musketry was incessant
and the day was long. Every part of our line taken by the
enemy in the early hours of the day was recovered before sun-
down except the arch of the horse-shoe. There was not a man
in my regiment this day who was not of heroic mould. The
laggards were in the rear and did not take part in the exercises.
I wish it was possible in our poor human speech to express the
supreme conduct of the men and officers of the Fourteenth Regi-
ment on this day, which to them seemed to be the day of supreme
unselfishness and inspired action.
Lord Houghton went to hear Reverend C. H. Spurgeon preach
in the Tabernacle, and he says of the preacher: "When he
mounted the pulpit I saw a hair-dresser's assistant, an hour hence
I saw an inspired apostle." If there is such a thing in the world
as the sudden transformation of masses of men from common-
place beings, ordinary mortals, to the supreme beatitudes in life,
it was accomplished that day in the Fourteenth Regiment. I
watched the men as they stood looking intently at the other side.
I remember Edward Billingsley, who had a good name in the
regiment as a soldier — he probably carried more baggage upon
his person than any man of his weight — was looking with
steady eye through a small crack below the top log of the works.
He had killed a half dozen of these people. In an evil moment
a ball penetrated the space, pierced his jugular vein and the good
man and brave soldier was dead. About sundown a ball struck
me full in the mouth and produced a painful hurt. I went to the
field hospital and remained there until next morning. Our
people retired from the line just before light next morning. It
was an unscientific and dangerous line from the start. It had
been seized upon the spur of the moment and our people had
held it with native courage and pertinacity. We left a number
of our wounded men under the range of the enemy's fire, among
them James Smart, who was shot through and through the chest
and was again in the hands of his friends after three days of
exposure. Our lines were taken up on a better position a few
726 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
hundred yards to the rear of our original position along the
horse-shoe curve. Here we awaited developments. Re-inforce-
ments were steadily pouring in to the enemy. About the 15th
or 16th of May an advance of the enemy was made upon our
fresh position. It seemed to be composed of new men, as they
were attired in uniforms of spotless neatness and showed the good
keeping of troops fresh from garrison work. They came on in
good alignment until the first zone of effective fire was reached.
Some of them, more forward than their general front, came into
point-blank range of our field-guns and were fearfully torn.
They recoiled, and during the next day or so General Grant
began to reach out with his left flank for more room.
On the 19th May, General Ewell's command moved under
cover of the heavy forest growth to the enemy's right and
attempted to lap him and strike his rear. It happened that this
attack was delivered just as a fresh brigade or division of re-in-
forcements were coming to fill the enemy's ranks. The Four-
teenth Regiment was under the immediate command of Major
J. H. Lambeth. I was with the troops, but not sufficiently
recovered from wounds to take the regiment in hand. We had
a stiff fight. I remember finding one of the Harris boys, of
Company G, Fourteenth Regiment, now a Baptist preacher,
at the very front, so badly shot he could not get^off. He was a
good soldier and by timely help was fetched away to a place of
safety. Henry Kendall, of Stanly county, was fearfujfly shot
in the throat, and betwixt his struggle to keep from choking to
death and to escape capture he suffered intensely. John W.
McGregor was shot through the calf of the leg and I gave my
horse to him and Henry Kendall and they got safely to our camp.
Some of our men were so badly hurt that we had to leave them.
Jack Smith, of Company B, a good soldier, and others quite as
efficient, were in the number left.
From the 20th May until the staggering columns of the enemy
were driven back at Second Cold Harbor we were in constant
action. Every day we had a severe skirmish or skirmishes.
On the 30th May, at Bethesda Church, we pressed the enemy
Fourteenth Eegiment. 727
to uncover his purpose. We found him occupying the private
houses upon and near the contested ground. We lost a consid-
erable number of good men here. Captain Eli Freeman was
the only casualty in the Fourteenth Regiment.
On the afternoon of June 1st we made an advance in force to
draw the attention of the foe, then concentrating on his great
blow to be delivered the next day away to our right. We drove
him and but for the fall of darkness we might have scored a
great success. The next day we were engaged in a heavy
skirmish. I was shot while in command of Eamseur's Brigade
and was so seriously hurt that I did not resume command of the
regiment for sixty days. William Calvin Little, a very smart
and brave soldier, was killed here.
When General Hunter threatened Lynchburg by his advance
up the Valley, the Fourteenth Regiment was part of the troops
detached to meet his incursion.- The command made the cam-
paign to Washington City under the astute, brave, capable, loyal
and great Early. I was with him when fortune gave him vic-
tory and with him when fortune betrayed his courage. I wish to
do some measure of justice to this famous captain as I saw him
and, as I remarked, his cunning as a strategist, his daring as a
man and his fortitude in defeat. No more faithful, great-
hearted and unselfish citizen served our blessed cause in the
four years spent in blood and agony in the honorable endeavors
to preserve for and transmit to those who come after us the spirit
of the Constitution of the United States in its integrity, unsoiled
by greed or dishonoring circumstances, and to vouchsafe to man-
kind here the inestimable liberty of local self-government.
Poorly equipped and with paucity of numbers, he kept Sheridan
back; with eight thousand muskets he parried forty thousand.
May be time and the spirit of philosophy, the sense of justice
and the progress of the human mind will bring thoughtful men
to realize how true to constitutional principle the leaders in the
Confederate movement were.
The campaign in the Valley was a failure, yet we struck hard
and effectively here and there. At Charlestown, in August, 1864,
728 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
we fought a good fight. David N. Bennett, a very admirable
soldier, was fearfully wounded in this affair. I am not sure
Charley Cox, of Anson, got his death wound here. He was
brave and eager and true. The battle of Winchester, though a
success for us in the forenoon, was, by force of overwhelming
numbers in cavalry and other arms of the service, a serious defeat.
The Fourteenth Regiment fought with much spirit and admi-
rable cohesion in this affair. While pursuing a broken brigade of
the enemy we ventured into a wood in the immediate front of a bat-
tery and a division of the enemy. We were abandoned by our sup-
port and, after killing many of the enemy, General Russell of the
number, the order was given to our men to save themselves. I was
captured before sundown, and with my comrades, Joseph Gaddy,
of Anson, a good man, and Lieutenant Williams, of Buncombe,
a valuable citizen, suffered captivity until near the end at Appo-
mattox. In this battle Major Joseph H. Lambeth of the regi-
ment, a faithful man, orderly and reliable, received a severe
wound and was taken prisoner. Drummer Roberts, who had
thrown up his drum and taken back his gun, was mortally
wounded. I witnessed great changes in Roberts. He was at one
time a rude soldier, with a growing contempt for authority, but
under the power of heavenly grace he was as gentle as a little
child, and I am sure he died in complete assurance of a blessed
immortality. The soldier who feels in his soul the presence of
the Holy Spirit is not afraid of battle in its most hideout form.
The humiliations of defeat fell thick and fast upon the dwind-
ling numbers of our people. Once they thrust themselves with
their accustomed impetuosity into the ranks of the enemy at
Cedar Creek, they had their revenge for a time.
The incessant watch, in the trenches about Petersburg, through
the winter of 1864-65, was shared by the Fourteenth Regiment
of North Carolina Troops. When the enemy made the irrup-
tion of our lines the regiment was part of the "noble remnants"
in retreat, fighting daily rear-guard actions with the forces of
the Government. In one of these actions Lieutenant-Colonel
William A. Johnston, who commanded the regiment in .the
FOUKTEENTH ReGIMENT. 729
trenches at Petersburg and on the retirement, was disabled by
wounds. A successful affair with Gregg's Cavalry, in which
General Gregg was captured, occurred 9n the day Farmville was
reached. Constant skirmishing tried the courage and fortitude
of our dwindling numbers.
On the night before the surrender the command lay near
Appomattox. On the morning of Appomattox the regiment
formed in battle line under command of Lieutenant John W.
McGregor, the brigade being in charge of Major Scales, the only
field officer then present for duty. The command charged at a
double and captured the enemy's battery, scattering the supports
of cavalry. We lost Ivey Ritchie, a brave and dutiful man,
killed, and Atlas Dargan Lowery and Lieutenant John W.
McGregor, wounded.
The supreme hour which comes to men and nations was at
hand. Eight thousand and odd muskets were surrendered. Of this
number the paroles of the Fourteenth Regiment of North Caro-
lina Troops, as printed in Volume XV of the "Southern His-
torical Society Papers," numbered one hundred and seven.
The elder D'Israeli, in his book on "Curiosities of Litera-
ture," devotes a chaptier to the " Enthusiasm of Genius." He
relates that Admiral Nelson, on the day of Trafalgar, perceiv-
ing the engagement at hand, went to his cabin and invested him-
self with all the medals, orders and opulent decorations that he
had conquered during his transcendent naval career. Thus
inspired, he went to victory and death. The illustrious man,
officer and soldier who on this day surrendered the Army of
Northern Virginia had a kindred inspiration.
My memory connects the years before 1861 with those which
have since elapsed, fraught with a succession of "sorrow and joy."
The noblest inheritance the South can cherish is the unmeasured
nobility and unselfishness of those who led and those who
fought the good fighb for local self-government. "Though gods
they were, as men they died."
I shall not dwell upon the details of the ghastly struggle,
for my task has already been accomplished. " Nightly since I
730 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
have dreamed of encounters" with these people. I have heard
ringing in my ears, as if it were a death-bell, Sheridan's boast-
ful words: "That he had left the Shenandoah Valley so bare
that a crow flying over it must carry his rations with him." I
have heard Slierman, from the ashes of Atlanta, which he had
burned in the excess of his power, writing Sawyer, of his staff",
"that war was hell," and his saying to Mrs. Childs at Fayette-
ville : " Madam, I am a man of war, and can storm any place
but Heaven." I have seen the blood of old men upon their
own door-ways, murdered by the wretches whom he turned loose
with the bridle off. Of these I carry in the folds of my memory
the name and sad fate of an uncle above seventy years old, a
Union man whom Sherman's followers shot to death on his own
front steps without provocation. I am told that the Union is
restored because Little Joe Wheeler, with the commission of a
general officer in the Army of the United States and a com-
mission as Congressman, and a dozen or so who were prominent
Confederates, " either for bread or fame," helped to make war
upon a Christian country and despoil it in its good name and
estate upon its own soil and without defined cause.
I believe in my soul and upon my conscience that the crime of
subjugating the people of the South and the enormous wrongs
committed upon them in its consummation is the greatest crime
of the last three centuries.
I have to apologize to the privates and non-commissioned
officers of the Fourteenth Regiment for the failure to name
them and their valiant actions in this sketch. I have tried to
get the roll of honor of the several companies, in which the
conduct and characteristics of the men are set down upon the
estimate of their own comrades. Company C alone preserves
this list. A copy of the roll of that company is appended. In
the absence of these authentic pages from the other companies, I
name as worthy of all praise William Gudger, of Buncombe,
Dick Lynch, a fine fellow from near the Warren line. The
roll of honor of the several companies of North Carolina Troops
may have been carried away by the soldiers of the United
Fourteenth Regiment. . 731
States during their stay in Raleigii. I wish to set down the
names of the following members of Company B, whose conduct
is deemed worthy of special mention ; they are furnished me by
one of the company :
Lieutenant Cyrus P. Jones, killed at Spottsylvania ; Sergeant
Frank J. Britt, killed at Malvern ; William Baker and William
J. Collett, mortally wounded at Winchester, September 19, 1864;
Lieutenant Welborn, Rufus Baker, Henry J. Berrier, Dudley
Lambeth, John M. Jordan, W. D. Veach, Andrew Sink, William
H. Odell and J. L. Schoup.
I make apologies to the good soldiers of the command whose
names I am unable to give in this sketch. With my thanks to
all the officers of the regiment, with a few beggarly exceptions,
for their good service records, especially to Captain GrifBth, of
Company G; Captain Liles, of Company C; Lieutenant Mur-
ray, of Company F, and to the Adjutant, Quartermaster, Ser-
geant-major and Commissary of Subsistence, the lieutenants of
the color-guard and the ordnance officers, I commit this imper-
fect tribute to a brave regiment to the future in the confident
hope of justice to its cause after some time be passed.
RiSDEN Tyler Bennett.
Wadbsboro, N. C.,
9 April, 1900.
The following are names taken from the roll of honor of
Company C, together with the distinctions won by each man, as
certified to by William A. Liles, the captain of the company:
Captain Eli Freeman, Third Sergeant, a brave and good officer;
J. W. Turner, Second Corporal, a good soldier ; James A. Smart,
an excellent soldier; J. H. Alford, a good man; H. Baldwin,
in every fight during campaign, a No. 1 soldier; D. N. Bennett,
a brave man, and worthy of promotion; E. A. Covington, a good
hospital steward; B. C. Hutchinson, acted well; J. W. Mc-
Gregor, acted very gallantly on all occasions, a good soldier;
J. J. McLerdon, acted well on the field ; A. S. Morrison, a most
meritorious man, and deserved promotion; A. B. Morton, a most
excellent soldier; G. A. Morton, a most excellent soldier; P. F.
732 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Morton, a noble soldier; W. H. Sanders, a most excellent man;
J. BE. D. Sanders, a splendid soldier.
The following are recorded each as a good soldier : J. I. Bill-
ingsley, John Bowman, J. C. Coir, C. H. Cox, E. D. Gipson,
Gary Johnston, W. C. Little, A. S. McGallum, H. J. Napier,
H. B. Sanders, G. L. Stanback, W. C. Threadgill, J. B. Wad-
dill, J. M. Watkins, T. J. Watkins.
E. T. B.
FIFTEENTH EEGIMENT.
1. Henry A. Dowel, Colonel.
2. William McKae, Colonel.
3. E. R. Ihrie, Lient.-Colonel.
4. n. C. Kearney, Ist Lieut., Co. E.
FIFTEENTH REGIMENT.
By H. C. KEARNEY, First IjIBdtenant Company E.
This regiment was originally the Fifth Regiment of North
Carolina Volunteers, and was then composed of twelve com-
panies. It was organized at Garysburg, N. C, two miles north
of "Weldon, about the 10th day of June, 1861, and Stephen Lee,
a professor in the D. H. Hill Military School of Charlotte, was
elected Colonel; R. R. Ihrie, Captain of Company M, Lieutenant-
Colonel, and William F. Green, Captain of Company L, Major.
Before Lee received notice of his election he had been elected
Colonel of the Sixth Regiment of North Carolina Volunteers,
which was afterwards the Sixteenth Regiment of North Caro-
lina Troops, and had accepted the latter command. About the
22d of June, Robert M. McKinney was elected Colonel, his
commission bearing date of June 24, 1861, and joined the regi-
ment the last of June. "McKinney was at the time of his elec-
tion Captain of Company A, Sixth Regiment North Carolina
State Troops, and had been a professor in D. H. Hill's school.
He was killed at Lee's Farm, near Yorktown, April 16, 1862.
H. A. Dowd, First Lieutenant of Company I, and acting Adju-
tant, was elected and commissioned Colonel April 20, 1862, and
at the reorganization of the regiment. May 3, 1862, was elected
Colonel; William MacRae, Captain of Company B, was elected
Lieutenant-Colonel, and W. H. Yarborough, Captain of Com-
pany L, was elected Major. Dowd was wounded at Malvern Hill,
July 1, 1862, and resigned February 27, 1863, when MacRae
was commissioned Colonel, Yarborough Lieutenant-Colonel and
G. W. Hammond, Captain of Company K, Major. MacRae was
appointed Brigadier-General about August, 1864, YaAorough
Succeeded to Colonel, Hammond to Lieutenant-Colonel and R.
P. Jerome, Captain of Company B, to Major.
734 NoETH Carolina Tkoops, 1861-'65.
The staff and company officers and their successors in the
order named, as appears from the "Roster of North Carolina
Troops," Volume I, pages 545 and 581, and Volume II, pages
693 to 600 (which report is very imperfect), and as gathered from
participants in the operation of the regiment, but largely from
the memory of the writer, were: John Manning, George I. Gor-
don and A. H. Houston, Adjutants; H. D. Cabiness and C. H.
Thomas, Quartermasters ; T. C. Walsh and A. C. Massenburg,
Commissaries; B. T. Green and S. W. Langdon, Surgeons; W.
B. Mott, W. V. Bonner and Donald Williams, Assistant Sur-
geons ; J. T. Sugg, Hospital Steward ; J. C. MacEae and S. W.
Howerton, Chaplains ; Grayson, Exum Lewis and J. E. Porter,
Sergeant-majors; J. B. Coffield, Quartermaster Sergeant; P.M.
Moss, Ordnance Sergeant.
LIST OF COMPANIES AND THEIK OFPICEES.
Company A — Northampton County — Captains, S. T. Stancell,
J. B. Randolph, J. H. Peel and Spier Wood ; First Lieutenants,
E. A. DeBerry, J. W. Jacobs, J. H. Peel and W. H. Parker;
Second Lieutenants, L. W. Boykin, W. P. Vick, J. B. Randolph,
W. H. Parker, Spier W. Wood and W. E. Woodruff. Enlisted
men, one hundred and thirty-nine.
Company B — Union Coimiy— Captains, William MacRae and
R. P. Jerome; First Lieutenants, T. H. Means and F. L. Rog-
ers; Second Lieutenants, L. A. Holmes, R. J. Jerome, J. M.
McLarty, G. B. Cuthberson and D. G. Cuthberson. Enlisted
men, one hundred and thirty-eight.
Company C — Cleveland County — Captains, C. G. Love and
D. J. Hardin; First Lieutenants, J. N. Nicholson and J. M.
Jarrett; Second Lieutenants, J. S. Byars, D. J. Hardin, J. W.
Jarrett, E. W. McBrayer and W. K. Hardin. Enlisted men,
one hundred and sixty-three.
Company D — Cleveland County — Captain, W. S. Corbett;
First Lieutenants, Harvey Cabiness, J. J. McGunniss and J. M.
Higgins; Second Lieutenants, D. Lattimore, G. J). Horran, R.
W. Hunt, F. G. Hicks, Thomas Y. Lytle and H. Clay Conly :
Fifteenth Regiment. 735
Eulisted men, one hundred and thirty-seven. This company was
transferred to the Forty-ninth Regiment in exchange for Com-
pany B of that regiment, on January 15, 1863, which became
Company D in the Fifteenth Regiment, and was from Chatham
county. Captains, E. H. Ward, J. S. Bennett and T. S. Old-
ham ; First Lieutenants, J. S. Bennett T. E. Oldham and W. E.
Oldham ; Second Lieutenants, J. W. Horton, W. E. Oldham, A.
C. Massenburg and T. A. Oldham. Enlisted men, eighty-six.
The roster of some thirty-five names of this company was lost.
Company E — Franklin County — Captains, Willie Perry and
W. H. Ballard; First Lieutenants, B. T. Green, W. H. Ballard
and H. C. Kearney; Second Lieutenants, R. S. Harris, H. C.
Kearney, J. A. Morris and H. H. Sherrod. Enlisted men, one
hundred and fifty-three.
Company F — Harnett County — Captains, Kenneth Murchison,
Daniel McDougall and A. D. Cutts; First Lieutenants, K. M.
McNeil, Daniel McDougall, J. T. McLean, A. D. Cutts, D. M.
Sexton and D. E. Green; Second Lieutenants, R. B. Smith, S.
D. Pipkin, J. T. McLean, A.D. Cutts, D. M. Sexton, D. E. Green
and Rory Barnes. Enlisted men, one hundred and forty-one.
Company G — Franklin County — Captains, J. J. Jackson, T.
T. Terrell, G. B. Murphy; First Lieutenants, M. D. Stamper,
T. T. Terrell, G. B. Murphy; Second Lieutenants, H. G. Gup-
ton, A. C. Hight, G. B. Murphy, W. S. Jackson, J. M. Bonner
and W. Brewer. Enlisted men, one hundred and thirty.
Company H — Alamance County — Captains, J. R. Stockard,
D. S. Thompson, W. J. Stone and E. S. Euliss; First Lieuten-
ants, D. S. Thompson, W. J. Stone, E. S. Euliss, W. R. Webb;
Second Lieutenants, J. N. H. Clendenin, G. A. Clendenin, P. P.
Booker, John Roney and M. M. Roberson. Enlisted men, one
hundred and eighteen.
Company I — Edgecombe County — Captains, T. W. Battle and
E. D. Foxhall ; First Lieutenants, H. A. Dowd and B. T. Hart;
Second Lieutenants, Fred. Philips, R. S. Suggs, S. M. Pender,
E. E. Knight and D. H. Barlow. Enlisted men, one hundred
and forty-eight.
736 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Company K — Edgeoom.be County — Captains, G. W. Ham-
mond, G. W. White and J. P. Cross; First Lieutenants, W. T.
Gay, G. W. White and J. P. Cross ; Second Lieutenants, J. JT,
Reed, T. H. Griffin, G. W. White, J. P. Cross, W. D. Braswell,
W. H. Griffin. Enlisted men, one hundred and forty.
Company L — FranJdin County — Captains, W- F. Green, A.
S. Perry, W. H. Yarborough and James I. Foster; First Lieu-
tenants, A. S. Perry, W. S. Harris and W. R. Young; Second
Lieutenants, W. H. Yarborough, W. S. Harris, W. L. Young,
R. E. Ballard and Bartlett Davis. Enlisted men, one hundred
and twenty-six.
Company M — Chatham County — Captains, R. R. Ihrie, J.
W. Taylor, W. L. London and W. H. Tyson ; First Lieuten-
ants, John Manning, W. L. London and E. J. Merritt; Second
Lieutenants, O. M. Neal, W. L. London, 0. C. Poe, J. T.
Rogers, W. H. Tyson, J. T. Eubank. Enlisted men, one hun-
dred and eighty-three.
These last two companies, L and M, were transferred to the
Thirty-second Regiment in July, 1862, soon after the seven days'
battles around Richmond. Company L became Company I and
Company M became Company K in the Thirty-second Regiment.
The number of enlisted men includes the recruits furnished during
the entire war, and was as above, so far as is known.
About the last of June, 1861, the regiment, numbering about
eleven hundred officers and men, was ordered to Virginia, and
arriving at Yorktown about the first of July, pitched our
camp southwest of the old British works on the edge of the town,
near the First North Carolina, or Bethel Regiment. We became
at once actively engaged in doing camp and fatigue duty, throw-
ing up breastworks day and night, with occasional marches down
the Peninsula toward Bethel and Hampton, until early in
August. Then the health of the regiment had become so ba'd, at
least eighty per cent, being stricken by those terrible diseases which
occur from malaria and which are so easily contracted by persons
coming from a hilly or mountainous country, surrounded by low
swamps in midsummer, that the commanding general ordered
Fifteenth Regiment. 737
the regiment to Hobdy's Point, on the north side of York River,
first sending a large number up the river to King and Queen
county and to Gloucester Court House. Many of these never
lived to return.
During the early part of September there was less than ten
per cent, of the regiment able to perform camp duty. The loss
by death and disability during the months preceding winter was
greater than from battle during any one year afterwards, being
over fifteen per cent.
About the 1st of October the regiment returned to York-
town, did picket and foraging duty and built breastworks, bat-
teries and partial winter-quarters at several places until Febru-
ary, 1862. After the fall of Roanoke Island it was sent to the
Blackwater, near Suffolk, and thence to Goldsboro, N. C, to
re-iuforce General Branch's command after the evacuation of
New Bern. It remained there until about the 15th of April,
when it returned to the Peninsula by way of City Point, and
took position on the lines near Lee's Mill, between Yorktown
and James River, in front of McCiellan's army, which was
advancing from Fortress Monroe toward Richmond. Here it
had its first engagement with the enemy at Lee's Farm on the 1 6th
of April, when the gallant Colonel McKinney was killed, to whom
and his successors, by their prudence, discretion, calm judgment
and cool management, many of those who survived these years
of strife owe their lives. The regiment lost twelve killed and
forty-four wounded and the enemy lost one hundred and eighty-
three killed and wounded.
The reorganization took place on the 3d of May, with almost an
entire change of regimental and company oflScers. The regiment
was one of the last to leave the lines and formed a part of the
rear-guard on the retreat to Richmond until it reached Williams-
burg, from which place it moved to New Kent Court House.
After several days of slow and tedious marching through rain
and mud, occasional marches and skirmis'hes, with little to eat
but parched corn, it crossed to the south side of the Chicka-
hominy and encamped on the turnpike to Mechanicsville.
47
738 North Caeolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
As the Union army extended its lines to the right a portion of
the regiment on picket duty at Ellyson's Mill had a small
engagement, capturing a few prisoners, with no loss to the regi-
ment.
On the 30th and 31st of May the regiment marched and
counter-marched almost constantly between Mechanicsville and
"Seven Pines, and on Sunday morning, June 1st, was formed in
line of battle to the right, near Fair Oaks, to re-inforce and
renew the attack at that point. Before advancing the order was
countermanded and the. regiment took position on the Nine Mile
road above Fair Oaks, where it remained under daily fire from
the enemy's batteries until Saturday morning, June 29th. It
then moved forward through the enemy's works (he having
retreated towards James River) towards Savage's Station on the
York River Railroad, where, after frequent skirmishes during
the day, it was formed in line of battle late in the evening in
support of Barksdale's Brigade, which was actively engaged.
Before Cobb's Brigade, to which the Fifteenth Regiment was
attached, became engaged the enemy abandoned his position,
destroying his supplies and leaving nearly two thousand sick
and wounded prisoners. The regiment then moved west through
the deserted works of the enemy, around the head of White Oak
Swamp and from thence south and east, respectively, to the inter-
section of Darby Town and New Market roads, near Frazier's
Farm, passing over that battlefield Tuesday morning, July 1st,
and forming in line of battle about one mile west of Malvern
Hill. It moved forward to support Confederate batteries which
took position on the edge of a piece of woods about one thousand
yards from the enemy's line, and shortly after a terrific artillery
engagement was opened, the equal of which, considering the
number engaged, was perhaps not excelled during the war.
The strong elevated position of the enemy at Malvern Hill
gave them full control of the fields in their front, and they soon
succeeded in disabling and silencing nearly every Confederate
gun within their range. The infantry in the rear suffered heavily
from the shot and shell.
Fifteenth Regiment. 739
The infantry was ordered to advance and attack the enemy,
■who had concentrated a heavy force of artillery and infantry on
the hill. The Fifteenth Regiment, forming the right of the bri-
gade, moved to the attack through an open field of several hun-
dred yards, broken by ravines, and was exposed to a murderous
fire of grape and canister from the artillery and mortar shells
from the gun-boats on James River and a heavy fire from the
infantry in front. The regiment formed a part of the first line
of battle and remained under fire until night, no re-inforcements
ever reaching the line and position occupied by the regiment.
The loss to the regiment in this charge was one hundred and
sixty-four killed and wounded out of a membership of six hun-
dred and ninety-two. The Confederate dead found nearest the
enemy's lines on this part of the field belonged to Company L
of the Fifteenth Regiment.
After removing the wounded and burying the dead the regi-
ment returned near Richmond on the Williamsburg road, where
Companies L and M were transferred to the Thirty-second Regi-
ment. The regiment here received about two hundred and fifty
new recruits from North Carolina, but before receiving any mili-
tary training the regiment commenced the march to Maryland.
It left Gordonsville on August 26th, and by forced marches
joined General Lee near Bull Run on the 2d of September. It
moved thence to Leesburg and crossed the Potomac on the 6th
at Point of Rocks, rendezvoused north of Monocacy River, near
Frederick, and on the 10th marched through the city toward
Middletown, crossing South Mountain on the 12th, thence down
Pleasant "Valley, and on the night of the 13th was opposite
Maryland Heights, four miles from Harper's Ferry.
On Sunday evening, the 14th, the brigade was ordered back
and reached Crampton's Gap, under forced march, late in the
afternoon and formed line of battle on top of the mountain in the
rear of a portion of General Mahone's Brigade and other remnants,
under command of Colonel Mumford, which was then engaged
with the enemy. The men were almost exhausted from constant
marching over rough roads, nearly shoeless, and without rations,
740 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
except green beef without salt and some corn. The regiment
formed on the left of the brigade and on the left of the road
on the pass, leaving knapsacks and blankets with a guard near
the top and on the west side of the mountain, moved forward
and soon became engaged with the enemy, who was pressing
up the pass from the east.
During these movements and engagements of the regiment the
recruits, who had learned but little of military tactics, were
at a disadvantage in maneuvering, but stood the fire of the
enemy well till captured. As the enemy pressed on the right
the Fifteenth took position behind a rock fence, with instruc-
tions to hold it, which they did until the enemy succeeded
in forcing the Georgia regiments (which formed the right of the
brigade) back and gained the rear and the possession of the road
across the gap. Being engaged with the enemy in front, and con-
fident of the strength of our position, the first knowledge we had
of the situation on the right was a terrible volley of musketry
from the rear and right flank, which was at first thought to be
from our own troops, who had mistaken us for the enemy, but
soon such thoughts were dispelled by seeing the Federal flag in
the rear. Fortunately the volley did but little damage, and
though the clothing of nearly every man bore the mark of a ball
(the writer having thirteen without breaking the skin), but few
were hurt. The loss of the regiment in this engagement was
fourteen killed, forty-eight wounded and one hundred and twenty-
four prisoners, one of which was the writer. Nearly all of the
prisoners were from the five right companies. A, C, E, G and
I, and doubtless some of the casualties were caused by those who
escaped from the right, yet by the stand they made at the top of the
mountain and checking the enemy they enabled the left of the
regiment and brigade to escape to Pleasant Valley, where they
formed and held the enemy in check until after the capture of
Harper's Ferry on the 15th, passed through there and joined
the army at Sharpsburg on the 17th with one hundred and
thirty-three officers and men. After that day's battle they had
at night only fifty-two men for duty, having lost seventy-one
Fifteenth Regiment. 741
killed and wounded. The regiment (or, more properly, what
was left) returned with the army to Virginia and thence to
Fredericksburg, and about the iirst of December was transferred
to Cooke's Brigade, all North Carolinians, and was, as then com-
posed, the Fifteenth, Twenty-seventh, Forty-sixth and Forty-
eighth North Carolina Troops, under the command of Brigadier-
General John R. Cooke.
On the 12th of December the brigade moved down near Fred-
ericksburg, in the rear of Marye's Heights, in support of Cobb's
Brigade and the batteries. Cobb's Brigade occupied the front
line, the batteries the heights, with the infantry behind a rock
wall on the telegraph road, where they remained in line all night,
building small fires by which they endeavored to warm their
almost frozen limbs, it being bitter cold, but the reflection of the
lights on the hills soon became a target for the enemy's heavy
artillery on the Stafford Heights. The shelling became so ter-
rific that the fires were ordered extinguished and many of those
who escaped unhurt the next day died from the night's exposure.
Early in the evening of the 13th the enemy, having been
repulsed on the right, advanced in heavy column from Fred-
ericksburg across the open fields and attempted to force the lines
west of the town. Cooke's Brigade was ordered forward, the
Fifteenth Regiment occupying a position on top of the hill in
front of Marye's house and to the left of a battery of Washing-
ton Artillery, where it remained until dark under heavy fire from
the enemy's infantry and artillery. For over five hours the regi-
ment was continuously engaged, using over thirty-five thousand
cartridges, and as fast as one column of the enemy was repulsed
and broken another was formed and renewed the assault. When
night closed the conflict the field in frout told with what despera-
tion the assault had been made; indeed, it was in this respect
thrice Malvern Hill — the armies reversed. About 4 o'clock the
enemy succeeded in gaining a lodgment on the right in a railroad
cut, from which the right of the regiment sustained its heaviest
loss in less than thirty minutes, when the enemy was dislodged by
artillery. The loss in killed and wounded in the regiment was two
742 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
hundred and seventy-four out of a membership of five hundred
and sixty-three.
After the engagement the enemy recrossed the river and the
regiment returned to its former quarters on the telegraph road
and remained there until early in January, 1863, when it was
ordered to North Carolina. After marching to Petersburg it was
conveyed by rail to Goldsboro and thence to Magnolia, marching
thence to Kenansville, South Washington, Warsaw and Bur-
gaw, thence by rail to Wilmington and then to Charleston,
S. C, Pocotaligo and Coosahatchie and to a point near Savan-
nah, Ga., where it remained until April, except during the bom-
bardment of Fort Sumter and the naval engagement of Char-
leston in February or March, when it was transferred to the
support of Clingman's Brigade, then stationed at James Island.
Afterwards it returned to Wilmington, N. C, and remained there
until May 1st, when it moved to Kinston to re-iuforce the com-
mand of General D. H. Hill. The enemy advanced from New
Bern and engaged the Fifty-sixth Regiment, of Ransom's.Brigade,
at Gam Swamp, and the Fifteenth Regiment (Cooke's Brigade)
was ordered to its support, when the enemy was forced back to
Core Creek or Deep Gully, within a few miles of New Bern.
In these skirmishes the regiment lost two killed and fourteen
wounded. The regiment moved back towards Kinston and
camped at Seven Forks several days, when it was ordered to
Richmond and thence to Gordonsville to join Lee's army, then
on its way to Gettysburg. On reaching Gordonsville the regi-
ment was ordered back to Richmond to meet a threatened attack
of the army advancing from Yorktown and was almost con-
stantly on the march around Richmond during the Gettysburg
campaign, being about the only organized brigade left to protect
the Capital during the absence of the army from Virginia, and
had skirmishes from James River to Fredericksburg, with slight
losses.
Early in October the brigade moved to Gordonsville, joined
the army near Culpeper Court House and was assigned to Heth's
Division of A. P. Hill's Corps, then on the march to Bristoe
Fifteenth Regiment. 743
Station, which place it reached on the evening of October 14th,
after a forced march. Cooke's and Kirkland's Brigades were
hastily formed in line of battle parallel to the railroad and
ordered to attack the enemy, who had taken position in the cut
and behind the railroad bank. The two brigades, composed of
nine North Carolina regiments, charged the enemy in solid col-
umn over an open field of several hundred yards, with Warren's
Corps massed in front and two batteries of artillery occupying
an elevated position on the right of the Confederate line. They
were subjected to such a terrific fire from the enemy that their
.lines were mowed down like grain before a reaper and their
broken columns forced back to Davis' Brigade in the rear. In
doing this Colonel MacRae retired the Fifteenth Regiment by
alternate companies, firing and falling back, which stayed the
enemy and greatly protected the line. General Cooke was severely
wounded early in the action and the Fifteenth lost twenty-four
killed and one hundred and seventeen wounded in the short space
of about thirty-five minutes. The enemy's loss in killed was very
great in proportion to the number wounded, as was evidenced by
the print of lead on the railroad iron behind which they lay, their
heads being principally exposed. The regiment remained on the
field that night and, after burying the dead, marched toward the
Rappahannock River, destroying the railroad as they went.
After reaching the south side of the Rapidan River the regi-
ment was engaged in doing picket duty, with occasional skir-
mishes, until about December, when it fronted the Federal army
at Mine Run, but had no general engagement. After a few days
skirmishing it returned to near Orange Court House, built and
occupied winter-quarters quietly until about the first of May,
1864, when it broke camp and moved toward the Wilderness,
where, on the 5th of May, Cooke's Brigade engaged the enemy
on the plank-road, occupying a position on the right of the road,
the Fifteenth Regiment being on the extreme right of line as
first formed. About 2 o'clock p. m., and before our lines were
completed, the enemy advanced in column, but was soon repulsed,
only to renew the charge with greater force. The battle raged
744 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
until uight, with the Fifteenth Regiment holding its position
till dark. During the evening our ammunition was exhausted,
and the re-inforcements coming in (Kirkland's and McGowan's
Brigades), divided theirs with us. At the commencement of the
battle the trees and small undergrowth were so thick that the
enemy got within about thirty yards of us before we could see
them, and the first volley fired broke their line and hurled them
back, and many times did they renew the charge with fresh troops
during the afternoon, but never passed the line where they received
the first volley. At the close of the day the ground between
the lines was covered with small trees, bushes and limbs cut off
by minnle-balls.
After night the regiment was formed to the left of the plank-
road, on the right of Wilcox's Division, and worked all night
throwing up breastworks, which gave us protection and enabled
us to hold our position. At dawn on the 6th the enemy advanced
in heavy columns and forced the troops on the right of the plank-
road back and subjected Cooke's Brigade to a heavy fire from the
right and rear. At this critical moment Longstreet's Corps
arrived, followed by Anderson's Division. Gregg's Texas Bri-
gade formed line of battle as they moved forward and the Ar-
kansas regiment formed line with the Fifteenth Regiment at
their works. General Lee "was present and started forward
with the line of battle as they advanced, but was stopped by the
men, who refused to advance if he went. These fresh troops
charged and drove the enemy from the field, relieving the right
and saving the battle. The Fifteenth Regiment moved forward
and established a new line, but was not heavily engaged, only
engaging in skirmishes during the day. The loss in the Fifteenth
Regiment was two hundred and forty killed and wounded dur-
ing the two days.
The regiment moved to the right with the army, reached
Spottsylvania Court House, and on the 10th, with other troops,
was actively engaged and forced the enemy back from advanced
positions he had gained on the Confederate left. Although
under fire several hours and in various positions during the day,
the casualties were small, all principally from artillery.
Fifteenth Regiment. 745
On the moruing of the 12th the brigade, with the Fifteenth
Regiment on the extreme right, occupied a position on the line
northwest of the Court House, in front of Sedgwick's Corps and in
view of the assault of the enemy on the new line formed after the
attack on Johnston's Division at the "horse-shoe." In the after-
noon the regiment, with others, was moved to the front, protected
from view and fire of the enemy by a heavy piece of woods, and
formed at right angles near the main line. It captured several
stands of colors and a large number of prisoners by striking the
rear and left flank of their column, which advanced in front of
their main line to attack the Confederate center. This move-
ment was so quietly made that the enemy knew nothing of it
until the appearance of the Confederates in their rear, when they
surrendered, without firing a gun or the loss of a man, to the
Fifteenth Regiment.
During the engagement on the 12th the regiment did not
become actively engaged, but moved with the army towards Rich-
mond, next fronting the enemy near Hanover Junction about the
23d, in support of Lane's Brigade, and suffered some loss from
the enemy's artillery.
On the 31st of May Heth's Division occupied the front line
at Pea Ridge, the distance being so short between the armies that
the lines were engaged as sharp-shooters. About 3 o'clock in
the afternoon the enemy assaulted the line of Cooke's Brigade, but
were soon repulsed, losing almost their entire force in killed,
wounded and captured.
On the evening of June 2d, at Turkey Ridge, Cooke's Brigade
supported the left flank of Kirkland's Brigade and had a sharp
engagement with the enemy until after dark. The Fifteenth
Regiment was thrown forward in a big swamp for some distance,
feeling their way in the darkness over fallen timbers and through
mud and water, and, to prevent a surprise from the enemy, was
preceded about fifteen feet by one man from each company. The
lines were so near each other and it was so dark that private
Smith, from Company G, was captured by the enemy and pri-
vate Holmes, from Company E, captured one of the enemy.
746 North Caeolina Troops, 1861-'65.
The lines were so close that they could hear each other whisper,
but fortunately not a gun was fired. After remaining in the
swamp some time the regiment was withdrawn and formed in
line on the edge of a field and worked all night throwing up
breastworks.
Early next morning Cooke's Brigade was moved to the position
occupied by Kirkland during the night. They had built no
breastworks, and before the brigade formed its line the enemy
drove in our pickets, advanced his line of battle and the firing
became general. The front rank of the regiment was advanced
a few feet, while the rear went to work with bayonets, plates, tin
cups, or anything they could use to move dirt, and in a short
time had a bank sufficient to afford some protection, behind which
they formed, continuing their work and firing whenever the
attack of the enemy demanded. The position was on the edge
of a piece of woods, the timber in front, and the enemy's line of
battle so near that they could not use their artillery effectively.
By 10 o'clock the works were sufficiently strong and high to pro-
tect the men, but the fire was so strong that nearly every horse
to a Confederate battery was killed before it could get its guns
in position. This was perhaps the hardest day the Fifteenth
Regiment had during the war, being actively engaged for four-
teen hours with three times their number without one mouthful
to eat, but little water to drink and several times with but one
round of ammunition. They used an average of one hundred
and sixty rounds of ammunition to the man that day. The loss
to the regiment was about sixty, nearly all of whom were
ammunition or water-carriers. The regiment was withdrawn
soon after dark, moved to Cold Harbor and from there to James
River.
On the 1 5th of June the enemy's cavalry moved up the Chicka-
hominy towards Richmond, while the army was crossing James
River to attack Petersburg. Heth's Division was sent to meet
them, and Cooke's Brigade being in front, the Fifteenth Regi-
ment was engaged in several skirmishes during the day, with
considerable loss, and captured many prisoners, mostly wounded.
Fifteenth Regiment. 747
The writer, with ten picked men, was ordered by General Cooke
to reeonnoiter the enemy's position, during which he was wounded,
and but for the gallantry of his squad would have been captured
by about thirty of the enemy, who, in making a charge, received
a volley which killed two and wounded several. We captured
seven and the others retreated.
After night the regiment moved towards Richmond, crossed
James River and took position on the lines around Petersburg.
During the siege we occupied various positions, but principally
near the Crater, with constant duty, under iire from sharp-
shooters, artillery and mortars day and night, with but little to
eat. The losses in the regiment from the Wilderness to Peters-
burg in the numerous skirmishes was twenty-four killed and
. eighty-nine wounded.
On the 25th of August the regiment moved down on the Peters-
burg Railroad to attack the enemy at Reams' Station. Hancock's
Corps was formed in line in the railroad cut behind the embank-
ment and breastworks. Cooke's, MacRae's and Lane's Brigades,
numbering about one thousand seven hundred and thirty men,
were ordered to attack the enemy in this strong position with
three times their number. After forming in line of battle the
Confederates had to charge for several hundred yards across an
open space of fallen timber, brush and other obstructions, which
was done in good order. We reached the enemy's line without
firing and captured several stands of colors, two batteries and
about two thousand eight hundred prisoners. The loss in the
Fifteenth Regiment was twenty-three killed and ninety-one
wounded. After this the regiment took position again at the
Crater.
On the 27th of October the regiment took position on the lines
near Hatcher's Run, remaining there until December, when,
with other regiments, it marched towards Belfield, through sleet
and snow, but had no general engagement. It returned to its
former position and remained until February, 1865, when it
moved to Petersburg and took position near the Crater, in sup-
port of General Gordon in his night attack, but was not actively
748 North Caeolina Teoops, 1861-65.
engaged. In the evening it returned, under forced march, to its
former position, which was threatened by the enemy, which posi-
tion it occupied until the 2d of April, when the lines near Pe-
tersburg were broken and a retreat ordered.
On reaching Sutherland's Station line of battle was formed
to check the enemy. The army being in fragments and in full
retreat, the Fifteenth Regiment was deployed as skirmishers to
protect the rear and keep up stragglers during the day. It
marched all night and almost continuously, with but few hours'
rest and but little to eat, with frequent skirmishes, principally
with cavalry, until the morning of the 9th of April at Appo-
mattox Court House, where it was formed in line of battle to
re-inforce General Cox's and other brigades, but before advanc-
ing the Army of Northern Virginia, the pride of the South,
yielded to overwhelming numbers and resources.
The loss to the regiment during these latter months in the
trenches, on the retreat and in the various skirmishes was about
eighty killed and wounded. At the last roll-call on that event-
ful morning there were two hundred and nineteen stands of arms
turned over by those men in the regiment who had borne them
for four years.
Thus ended the services of one of the first regiments of North
Carolinians that responded to the call of their State and to the
Confederacy.
In penning this short sketch of one of the first regiments that
tendered its services to North Carolina and the Confederacy, it
has been the object of the writer not to detract the least praise
from any other reginaent or State that they may merit (for I
believe that with few exceptions they all did their duty), but
simply as a North Carolinian, proud of her honor and the valor
of her sons, to assist in bringing to light and preserving the gal-
lant deeds of her soldiery, whereby all impartial and unpreju-
diced historians may be enabled to publish to the world the truth
as it is, and that every citizen in our re-united country, whether
from Maine or Texas, can in future ages point to their acts of
Fifteenth Regimen's. 749
bravery and« devotion to duty, and with pride claim they were
American citizens.
In this instance the best proof of their honesty of purpose, devo-
tion to duty and conviction of right in a cause they had espoused,
was the five hundred and ninety-three shattered remnants left of
the eighteen hundred and two that had belonged to this regiment
during its four years' service.
H. C. Kearney.
LOUISBURG, N. 0.,
9th April, 1901.
■■
^ ' ' i ^
im^f^
WL
H^^J
m^m
J ^■' "
^i
£__ "
^■^
SIXTEENTH REGIMENT.
1. JamoB R. Love, Captain, Co. A. 3. Dillard L. Love, 1st Lieut., Co A
2. Benjamin IT. Cathey, 1st Lieut., Co. A. 4. William II. Catlicy, Private;, Co. A.
SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
By benjamin H. CATHEY, First Lieutenant Company A.
The Sixteenth Regiment North Carolina Troops was organized
June 17, 1861, at the city of Raleigh. Its officers were as fol-
lows:
Stephen Lee, of Buncombe county. Colonel.
R. G. A. Love, of Haywood county, Lieutenant-Colonel.
B. F. Beiggs, of Gaston county. Major.
D. F. Sitmmey, of Buncombe county. Quartermaster.
J. M. Israel, of Buncombe county, Commissary.
J. H. Wheeleb, Jr., of Buncombe county, Adjutant.
J. L. Robinson, of Macon county. Quartermaster Sergeant.
Columbus Mills, of Polk county, Surgeon.
The regiment was composed of twelve companies, as follows:
Company A — Jackson County — A. W. Coleman, Captain.
Company B — Madison County — John Peak, Captain.
Company C — Yancey County — J. S. McElroy, Captain.
Company D — Rutherford County — H. D. Lee, Captain.
Company E — Burke County — E. J. Kirksey, Captain.
Company F — Buncombe County — P. H. Thrash, Captain.
Company G — Rutherford County — C. T. N. Davis, Captain.
•Company H — Macon County — T. M. Angel, Captain.
Company I — Henderson County — W. M. Shipp, Captain.
Company K — Polk County — J. C. Kemp, Captain.
Company L — Haywood County — R. G. A. Love, Captain.
Company M — Gaston County — B. F. Briggs, Captain.
The twelve companies were made up of those who were the
first to volunteer from the mountains, and were men in the bloom
752 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
of manbood, ninety per cent, of whom were unmarried. When
the regiment was organized, and before the hardships of future
•campaigns had wrought upon it, it was remarked upon by citi-
zens of Raleigh and Richmond for its unusual fullness in num-
bers and faultless personnel.
The regiment, after its organization, remained in Raleigh,
drilling and performing guard duty, until the 5th of July, 1861,
when it left there for the seat of war. It arrived in Richmond
the 6th of July. From thence, after a stay of a few days, it was
ordered to northwestern Virginia to re-inforce General Garnett,
who was being pressed by General Rosecrans. Before reaching
there we were met with the report that General Garnett had been
killed in an engagement at Laurel Hill. The regiment now pro-
ceeded to Valley Mountain, where we arrived in the latter part
of July. Streagthening the forces late under the command of
General Garnett, we held the gap without trouble, save an occa-
sional heavy picket engagement.
It was while we were stationed on this mountain, lifted high
above the surrounding country, that the measles appeared in the
regiment, rendering at least two-thirds of the men unfit for duty
and resulting in a number of deaths. The earth, notwithstand-
ing its elevation, beneath a moss-clad surface, was filled with
water and the atmosphere was cold and dense. This was the
first and one of the most severe experiences in sickness of the
regiment.
As we drowsed one day in our tents we were awakened by a
small deer which leaped off the mountain side into the midst of
camp. In almost a twinkling the little fellow was taken captive
without force or demonstration other than our hands and the
"rebel yell."
It was on this mountain that the Sixteenth first got sight of
General Lee. It is impossible to describe the effect upon the
troops upon his appearance among them. Our courage, already
full and determined, breathed a new life, for w« saw in him a
leader in whom were met and blended those elements that would
illustrate all that was meant by "our cause and our strife." His
Sixteenth Eegiment. 75S
person was the finest we had ever seen. There was only a bold
hint of silver in his hair. His eye, lustrous and clear as a
mountain brooklet, seemed in its normal line of vision never to
fall below the distant horizon, and yet our souls were pierced by
the mingled pathos and nobility of his look. He was the most
magnificent horseman we had ever seen ; the most perfect citizen-
soldier and the manliest man. The General had his field-glass
and was making a survey of the surrounding country, when a
member of the Sixteenth, a shrewd, inimitable fellow, stepped
up to him and, paying the usual homage, promptly asked him
for a chew of tobacco. General Lee as promptly turned to a
member of his staff, who supplied the much coveted quid. The
heart of our great chief responded as quickly to the humble
private who sought a chew of tobacco as to the brilliant subal-
tern who sought a promotion.
On the 17th of September we vacated Yalley Mountain and
fell back to Elk Mountain, where we remained a few days.
From thence we marched to Greenbrier River, where we lay until
October 4th, when we marched across the country to Millburn,
where we boarded cars for Manassas Junction. Here we staid
for several days. Thence we marched to Occoquan Bay and
stopped a few days. Then we marched to Wolf Run Shoals,
where, stationing our pickets several miles in the direction of
Alexandria, we remained until about April 1, 1862, when we
-took up the line of march to Yorktown, by way of Fredericks-
burg. It was while we were at the last named place that we
heard of the battle of Shiloh and the sad intelligence of the death
of General Albert Sidney Johnston. At this time the Sixteenth
was attached to Hampton's Legion.
We arrived at Yorktown in April, where, on the 26th, we
reorganized the regiment, electing C. T. N. Davis, Colonel; John
S. McElroy, Lieutenant-Colonel ; W. A. Stowe, Major, and B.
F. Moore, Adjutant. A good many changes were made in com-
pany officers.
After staying at Yorktown several days, eating oysters and
taking in the points of historic interest, such as the old Revolu-
48
754 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
tionary fortifications and the spot where General O'Hara surren-
dered Cornwallis' sword to General Lincoln, we marched again on
the 5th of May, passing through Williamsburg. A short time
before reaching the last named point a determined engagement
took place between Hampton's Legion and the enemy's cavalry, in
which there was some severe hand-to-hand fighting. Then fol-
lowed several days of hard marching, through rain and mud, in
which there was no time to stop or draw rations. It was under
these circumstances that the regiment reached the Chickahominy
swamps, where picket duty and skirmishing began in earnest.
At this time General McClellan had got pretty good foot-hold
on Virginia soil, and within a few miles of the Confederate Capi-
tal. He had extended his line from the James River a consid-
erable distance up the Chickahominy. His organization was to
every appearance complete. Balloons could be seen to ascend
every day, spying out our peculiar location. The enemy was
using in front of the Sixteenth some large New Foundland dogs
as advance pickets. When we wished to move forward our
picket line we disposed of these "quadruped Yanks" in short
order by administering our favorite prescription, "rebel" pellets
in lead.
On the 21st of May we were thrown in line of march in
great haste and moved at a double-quick for a distance of four
or five miles down the Chickahominy and brought up at the
battle of Seven Pines. We were at once thrown in line of battle
immediately in front of a Federal battery. The Sixteenth moved
forward under a galling fire from these batteries and small arms
as well. Our original purpose was to charge and take this bat-
tery, but on coming within fifty feet of the guns we found our-
selves confronted by a miry swamp, covered with timber felled
towards us, the limbs of the trees being sharpened and forming
an impassable abattis. Behind this the enemy had constructed
heavy earth-works, making an impregnable barrier. Here we lay
down so close to the enemy that he could not lower his guns so
as to bring them to bear upon us. Finally we withdrew in per-
fect order.
Sixteenth Regiment. 755
Night-fall affording him opportunity, the enemy abandoned
that part of his line. From memory, the only source from which
the writer may draw, we are unable to give the accurate result of
this engagement. The Sixteenth lost some of its bravest and
best officers and men, among whom was the gallant and beloved
Colonel Davis. The termination of the struggle at Seven Pines
left the Confederates in possession of the ground and master of
the situation. It was here that General Joseph E. Johnston was
wounded by a fragment of shell, and he was carried back to
Richmond.
Robert E. Lee, having up to this time no command, was now
assigned to duty in command of the forces in front of Richmond.
The Sixteenth now belonged to Pender's Brigade, A. P. Hill's
Division. The vigilance and activity of both armies hourly
increased; picket and other service grew harder and more haz-
ardous day by day. The mud and slush of the swamps along
the Chickahominy were obliged to be traversed by day and by
night and the only chance for rest or sleep was to drop upon the
ground, at length to awaken to see the dirty foam-line tracing the
high-tide on our already not overtidy jackets.
In this wise we passed the leaden hours until the 26th of June,
when A. P. Hill marched his division across the river at Meadow
Bridge, hastened to Mechanicsville and dashed his brigades against
the heavy fortifications of the enemy, taking them at the point
of the bayonet. In this engagement the Sixteenth, after pass-
ing our own batteries, came upon a paling fence which, at sight,
appeared to be an obstacle, but the regiment went against it with
such force that its presence did not affect in the least our orderly
movement, and the regiment closed up to the enemy's fortifica-
tions and immediately in front of a strong battery of artillery.
It seemed that the enemy had made ready to bring a heavy
cross-fire to bear upon the Sixteenth, especially its right wing,
and, as if to increase our peril, we were exposed to a fusilade of
grape and canister that was coming from our own batteries planted
in our rear. The writer, discovering this situation, called the
attention of Colonel McElroy, who, with all possible dispatch.
756 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
moved us to the left and thereby released the regiment from its
unequal and perilous position. The struggle which now ensued
was one of extreme prowess and severity, terminating at least in
the complete dislodgment of the right wing of McClellan's grand
army.
I am not prepared to give the correct casualties of that memor-
able evening, but for the purpose of illustration. Company A
lost in killed and wounded twenty-seven men, twelve of whom
were killed on the field or mortally wounded. In this engage-
ment there happened a curious coincident. Company A had
eight brothers, representing four different families. These eight
brothers were messing together in pairs. When the battle was
over and the roll was called only four of these brothers answered,
and each of the survivors had lost a brother killed on the field.
This was the second pitched battle in which the Sixteenth had
participated.
At night-fall we were moved a short distance to the right, the
enemy having been dislodged from our front. Here we spent
the night so close to the enemy that every word spoken in a com-
mon tone of voice could be distinctly heard frorci our line. The
writer stood picket during the night in the edge of the swamp
so near the enemy's picket that any sound above a whisper could
easily have been heard. Well does he remember his comrade
who stood only a few paces away — a beardless boy, but as brave
as any who wore the gray. Our surroundings were a solitary
desert of horror. The owls, night-hawks and foxes had fled in
dismay. Not even a snake or frog could be heard to plunge into
the lagoon which, crimsoned by the blood of men, lay motionless in
our front. Nothing could be heard in the black darkness of that
night save the ghastly moans of the wounded and dying.
The night overpassed, welcome day found us forming in line
of battle. General Pender rode up in our front and, taking the
stump of a cigar from between his lips and holding it between
his thumb and finger, thanked us for our conduct during the
previous day and notified us that in a few minutes we would be
called upon to storm the line of Federal breastworks as we had
Sixteenth Regiment. 757
done the past day. Expressing his utmost confidence in us, he
said : " When you mount the enemy's works I will be with you,
if living." In a few minutes the order was given and forward
we moved, but on arriving at the enemy's lines we were only
confronted by a strong picket, the enemy having abandoned his
position during the night and retreated in the direction of the
James. We pursued, and coming upon him at Gaines' Mill we
again gave him battle. Here, for several hours, we waged
against fearful odds one of the bloodiest struggles of the war,
with the usual result — the complete rout and defeat of the enemy.
The Sixteenth, as on all occasions, did her full duty, receiving
the praise of her officers for coolness and execution. This engage-
ment took place June 27th. The loss to tiie Sixteenth was
heavy.
On the 30th of June the Sixteenth helped to fight the battle
of Frazier's Farm. Here, as at Mechanicsville, A. P. Hill
opened battle and charged the enemy's earth-works. Sweeping
over his first and second lines and reaching the third, we stormed
the same with the bayonet. Just at this crisis there came Fed-
eral re-inforcements in overwhelming numbers, and on making
a determined charge they regained the works and, advancing,
pushed the little force of Hill, about eight thousand strong, slowly
back for some distance. Retreat, or even defeat, was unknown
to us, and the Sixteenth, with Hill's Division, took and held a
stand against odds of probably four to one. In this position we
stood, destruction looking us in the face. Slowly but surely we
were being cut to pieces, but no murmur or movement indicating
disorder was to be heard or seen. As we thus stood and suffered,
and just at the most trying moment, a welcome sound — the roll
of musketry and thunder of artillery — came from the direction
of the old Cold Harbor house. How welcome and inspiring the
sound none may imagine except those who composed the deci-
mated lines of the Sixteenth and Hill's Division. We closed
up and raised the yell, for we knew it was Jackson and that
re-inforcements were at hand. The struggle continued till about
sunset, we holding the center, when suddenly the decisive strug-
758 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
gle ensued which ended in the repulse of the Federal lines and
the driving of them back under cover of their gun-boats. Our
loss in officers and men was heavy and apparently irreparable.
Captain A. W. Coleman, of Company A, was killed by a shell
early in the engagement. The command of the company then
fell to Lieutenant A. W. Bryson until he became severely
wounded, when Sergeant John S. Keener commanded the com-
pany the remainder of the day.
The Sixteenth participated in the engagement at Malvern Hill.
The regiment displayed its wonted coolness and intrepidity. The
loss was comparatively light. Thus ended the Seven Pines and
seven days' battles.
The survivors of the Sixteenth having got a little rest and
recuperation, and McClellan having fallen back on Washington,
our faces were turned northward.
On the 9l,h of August we took part in the battle of Cedar Run.
Our casualties were comparatively small. After much fatigue
from hard marching we reached the field of Second Mauassas on
the afternoon of the historic 29th. Pope at once made a vigor-
ous attack on our left, plunging with great fury into A. P. Hill's
Division and piercing with the bayonet a gap in our line. It
looked for a time as if the entire left wing of our army would
be annihilated by the greatly superior number of the enemy, and
nothing but the most heroic fighting of which men were capable
did save us from annihilation. Finally, after superhuman effort,
the enemy along this line were repulsed. He rallied, only to be
driven back the second time. So stubbornly was the ground
contested that volleys were delivered at a distance of only ten
to fifteen steps. The Sixteenth, true to its record, repulsed the
enemy in its front in six separate assaults. Our opponents on
this memorable day were led by General Kearney, of Mexican
renown. They behaved themselves like men.
Night-fall of the 29th found Hill, having been re-inforced,
still holding his ground. With the close of the day General
Kearney retired from our front. The field itself was the most
unanswerable witness to the day's contest. A railroad cut run-
Sixteenth Regiment. 759
uing through the field was filled with the bodies of men dead or
wounded; some were riddled with bullets, others were torn by
shells, and many were pierced by the bayonet.
The morning of the 30th of August found the opposing armies
face to face in battle array. Arms were taken up where they
had been laid down and the struggle re-opened with increased
fierceness. The events of the day are too numerous to admit of
record in a brief sketch. In the afternoon a tremendous force
was hurled against our left and center and a struggle ensued that
beggars description. It is enough to say that it was one of the
most desperate and bloody struggles of the war. The Sixteenth
held her position from first to last, dealing such blows as she was
capable, repulsing every onset of the enemy and faithfully con-
tributing towards the rich but dearly earned victory to our arms
at Second Manassas. The loss to the Sixteenth was heavy.
On the afternoon of the 1st of September the battle of Ox
Hill was fought in the midst of a terrible rain-storm. In this
engagement the Sixteenth participated, sustaining her reputation
for reliance and fortitude. It sustained some loss in killed and
wounded.
On the 4th of September we crossed the Potomac and arrived
at Frederick City, Md., on the 9th. After remaining here some
days we marched by a circuitous route, crossing the Potomac
some distance above Harper's Ferry, to Martinsburg. The small
force at the last named place fled before us to Harper's Ferry,
leaving to us all they had of quartermaster and commissary stores.
By Sunday night of the 14th we had completely surrounded
Harper's Ferry. The Sixteenth, with Pender's Brigade and
Hill's Division, occupied the south side of the town. Just after
dark we were assaulted by a line of battle, receiving very unex-
pectedly a heavy volley, but nothing .daunted, we as quickly as
possible returned the compliment, raised the yell and, sweeping
forward, repulsed the enemy with some loss. We were troubled
no more during the night, except by the moans and groans of
the wounded and dying enemy, who failed to regain their fortifi-
cations. Our casualties were small.
760 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
Monday morning, the 15th, we apprehended another serious
struggle. Sunday night had been cool and frosty, but the Six-
teenth had laid upon her arms. Though chilled and shivering,
we were eager for the fray. An artillery duel was already pro-
ceeding with great warmth. At sunrise Pender was ordered to
the front. He was on the spot in person and the order was
instantly obeyed. Over the hill the left wing of the Sixteenth
swung, and it was the fii'st to be exposed to the enemy's fire.
As suddenly as the enemy's firing had begun it now ceased, and
a white flag was seen to crown their stronghold. The Sixteenth,
with Pender's Brigade, was the first to march down upon them.
We found them drawn up in line, with arms stacked and dis-
coursing music of a patriotic sort — from their point of view. It
was in fact quite a splendid reception, but what a contrast ! The
enemy was spotlessly dressed in brand-new uniforms, shoes and
buttons, and gold and silver trappings glistening in the morning
sun, while we were almost naked; a great many of us without
shoes, without even a faded emblem on our ragged co£^ts to tell
even rank or official command. Thus ended Harper's Ferry.
The casualties of the Sixteenth were not severe. The fruits of
Harper's Ferry were eleven thousand prisoners, thirteen thou-
sand stands of arms and seventy-three pieces of artillery.
From Harper's Ferry the Sixteenth, with Pender's Brigade
and Hill's Division, marched to Sharpsburg. Arriving there
early in the afternoon of the 17th, we found the battle raging
furiously. General Jones, with two thousand five hundred men
was opposing Burnside with fifteen thousand. Our force of two
thousand men under Hill and two thousand five hundred under
Jones fell upon Burnside and after a desperate struggle, in which
the enemy numbered more than three to one, we drove him from
his position and pressed him back until dark coming on the
engagement ceased. Here again, all the circumstances considered,
the grand army under McClellan had experienced another decisive
defeat. The loss of the Sixteenth was comparatively slight.
The next day General Lee lingered, awaiting another attack, but
none was made.
Sixteenth Regiment. 761
The morning of the day following found Lee on the other
side of the Potomac supplying his army with rations and ammu-
nition. Taking up the line of march, we halted long enough
at Bunker Hill to devour some plain provisions and then to fall
upon the ground for a little much-needed rest.
On the 20th we were again ordered in line and were marched
down the Harper's Ferry road. There were many conjectures
among the soldiers as to where we were going. On reaching
a point opposite Shepherdstown, we were halted, fronted toward
the river, our guns were provided with fresh caps, skirmish lines
were thrown out and the order was given to " Forward, march !"
Our skirmishers were soon hotly contesting every inch of the
ground with those of our same old enemy, and in less than fifteen
minutes we were closely engaged. The Sixteenth moved steadily
forward, driving everything before her. Retreating through an
open field, the enemy fell back under cover of the river bank.
It was here that our duty again became arduous and the demand
of the moment called for a decisive blow. Rushing over the
river bank, we intended giving the enemy the bayonet, but before
reaching him he fled in the wildest confusion, some plunging head-
long into the river and others attempting to cross on a foot-bridge
purposely erected for their retreat if events should require. This
engagement resulted in much loss of life to the enemy, the very
river being tinged here and therewith his life-blood. This duty
was performed under the fire of as many Federal cannon as
could be planted and manned in our entire front. Added to the
storm of grape and canister which the enemy continued to belch
forth, there was a line of small arms playing upon us from the
Maryland side; but the charge was made and the victory was
gained with such amazing dispatch that our casualties were incon-
siderable. Thus ended the battle of Shepherdstown.
The writer deems it not uninteresting in this connection to
reproduce from memory, and word for word, the official address
of A. P. Hill after the last named battle, for the reason that in
all the engagements therein referred to the Sixteenth was a par-
ticipant. General Hill said: "Soldiers of the Light Division,
762 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
you have done well and I am pleased with you. You have
fought in every battle from Mechanicsville to Shepherdstown,
and no one can yet say that the Light Division was ever broken.
You held the left at Manassas against overwhelming numbers
and saved the army. You saved the day at Sharpsburg, and at
Shepherdstown you were selected to face a storm of round shot,
grape and shell such as I have never before witnessed. Your
services are appreciated by your commanding general."
After the battle of Shepherdstown the Sixteenth Regiment
marched back to Bunker Hill. Here Company A was trans-
ferred to the Thirty-ninth North Carolina Regiment and Com-
pany L to the Sixty-ninth North Carolina Regiment (Thomas'
Legion).
The Sixteenth Regiment remained in camp at Bunker Hill
until about the first of October. About this time the Federal
army crossed the Potomac at Harper's Ferry and advanced to
Warrenton. Leaving the Valley, Longstreet's Corps confronted
the enemy near Culpeper Court House. About the 20th Jack-
son also abandoned the Valley above Winchester and moved
forward to New Market. From thence he proceeded to the
vicinity of Guinea Station, a point on the railroad leading from
Fredericksburg to Richmond.
Everything now pointed to Fredericksburg as the scene of
another great conflict. On the 10th of December Burnside
began preparation for crossing to the south side of the Rappa-
hannock. Finally, with much difficulty and great loss of life,
he succeeded, and on the morning of the 13th the battle began.
The engagement was a bloody and destructive one, ending in
Burnside being literally cut to pieces, repulsed and defeated — not
for any lack of courage or of numbers among his troops, but for
want of generalship. Here, for some reason unknown to the
writer, it seems that A. P. Hill left in his line a gap of about
two hundred yards. Bordering on this gap, the Sixteenth, with
Pender's Brigade, was placed. The enemy, perceiving this to
be a vulnerable point in our line, sought to pass through it. He
came near succeeding and in his attempt inflicted a severe pun-
Sixteenth Regiment. 763
ishment upon that portion of our line. The Sixteenth was an
active participant in the arduous duties and dangers of the day.
Many unsuccessful attempts were made by the enemy to break
through our lines, first at one point and then at another, but
without avail. The battle as a whole resulted in a signal victory
for our arms. Burnside retreated to the north side of the Rap-
pahannock. The Sixteenth only lost in this engagement, in
killed and wounded, thirty-two men.
The regiment remained about Fredericksburg and along the
Rappahannock, performing guard and picket duty, until a short
time before the battle of Chancellorsville. In this engagement,
which occurred May 3, 1863, the Sixteenth was thrown into the
fight at a point where the service of none but veterans was com-
petent. When the smoke had ascended from the field and the
roll had been called it was ascertained that fifty-nine of her
brave fellows were wounded or killed. Colonel John S. McEl-
roy was severely wounded while gallantly leading his men. No
braver soldier or more chivalric gentleman graced the Sixteenth
with command than Colonel McElroy. He was universally
trusted and esteemed by the men. Upon the disability of Col-
onel McElroy, Lieutenant-Colonel Stowe assumed command.
Colonel Stowe was a gallant and successful commander. His
record was one of the best. It was upon this fatal field that
Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded. The Sixteenth had
marched and fought and conquered under the eye of this great
chieftain. With us his name was the synonym for success,
and we took fresh hope when we heard the booming of his
guns. Well does the writer remember how he looked when
first he had the pleasure of seeing him. He sat on his horse
very awkwardly, or perhaps I should say carelessly. His stir-
rups appeared to be several inches too short for his legs. His
uniform was dingy and unkempt and his cap was pulled far
down over his brow. He impressed one as being too much
engrossed with the serious business of life to have time to attend
to its numerous smaller amenities. It was upop this same
deadly field that our gallant division commander, A. P. Hill,
764 North Carolina Troops, 1861-65.
was seriously wounded and borne to the rear. These were some
of the events that illustrated the battle of Chancellorsville. The
dashing Stuart succeeded temporarily to the command of Jack-
son's Corps.
After Chancellorsville there was a brief but painful cessation
of hostilities. About the 1st of June the larger portion of the
Army of Northern Virginia disappeared from the valley of the
Eappahannock, leaving Hill with his corps to watch the move-
ments of Hooker. About the middle of June the latter with-
drew from Fredericksburg and simultaneously ourforces withdrew
from the same place. Hill's Corps crossed the Potomac on the
25th of June at Shepherdstown and arrived at Fagotville, Pa.,
on the afternoon of the 27th. The opposing armies were con-
centrating their forces at Gettysburg for a decisive conflict.
As before mentioned, after the battle of Shepherdstown Com-
pany A of the Sixteenth (in which was the writer), was transferred
to the Thirty-ninth Regiment, and for this reason he was not at
Gettysburg and cannot write from personal knowledge. He has
been unsuccessful in obtaining data from actual participants, and
that he can truthfully record of the part the Sixteenth acted in all
that, the fiercest, in some respects, of the battles of modern times,
is that the regiment was there from first to last.
The Sixteenth, as all the other regiments of Lee's army, before
it reached the field of Gettysburg had been very much reduced
in numbers, and at the close of those crucial three days it was
found that the Federal bullets had deprived her of the loyal ser-
vices of seventy-two more of her heroes. This, to the writer, is the
Sixteenth's all-sufficient message from Gettysburg. Here it was
that the Sixteenth lost her beloved first brigade commander, Wil-
liam D. Pender. He was mortally wounded and died soon after.
So familiar had his figure become to the ranks that his death was
taken as a personal loss to each individual soldier. I recall his
personal appearance and his conduct on the field and in battle
as though it had been but yesterday. He was a medium size
mat], round pf body, closely knit and muscular; his movements
were agile and strong; his complexion was tan, his eye gray and
Sixteenth Regiment. 765
kindly, and his whole exterior indicated courage, nerve and power
of endurance. His words were not many, but exceedingly com-
prehensive and to the point. Like all great soldiers, he was not
a man of words but of action. He was one of the coolest, most
self-possessed and one of the most absolutely fearless men under
fire I ever knew. It was by no means an uncommon thing to see
him smoking a cigar and issuing commands, to all human ap-
pearance unmoved, in the heat of battle. If he had lived and
the war had continued he would have been promoted to a high
command.
The Sixteenth, after Gettysburg, recrossed the river on the
14th, and thus ended the campaign north of the Potomac. The
Sixteenth remained with the Army of Northern Virginia to the
surrender — most of the time under fire and all the time march-
ing, starving, but never despairing. The Sixteenth was briga-
ded with the Thirteenth, Twenty-second, Thirty-fourth and
Thirty-eighth North Carolina Regiments, and the incidents of its
history are largely identical with those narrated in the sketches
given of those regiments. Our first brigade commander was Pen-
der, who was succeeded by General Scales. She passed through
the trying and unequal experiences at Petersburg and in its fall
with our own heroic dead she numbered her trusted corps com-
mander, A. P. Hill. Next to her own native commanders the
Sixteenth learned to respect the person of A. P. Hill. He was
one of the greatest military leaders that the civil war developed.
I remember how he looked perfectly. He was one of the hand-
somest little men I have ever seen. I have seen his home (during
the war) from which he was so rudely and suddenly torn — one
of the most beautiful of the many beautiful Virginia places.
General Hill was a fearless man and a brilliant commander, and
his Light Division will go down side by side with the illustrious
soldiers of history.
After Petersburg the Sixteenth, still undaunted, divided the
corn of the horses to appease hunger and, stubbornly marching
and fighting to the last, surrendered with General Lee at Ap-
pomattox. Their sacrifice was fully repaid when, the dread day
766 North Cabolina Teoops, 1861-'65.
having arrived and the momentous act performed, they listened
to the words as they fell from the lips of Robert E. Lee himself:
" God bless old North Carolina ! " With this blessing resting upon
their heads, they turned their faces in the direction of their broken
homes, where, through all the years that have followed, they have
cherished the parting benediction of their great chieftain as a
priceless heritage.
The total casualties of the Sixteenth Regiment for the entire
war were something more than eight hundred men, leaving about
five hundred men, a large majority of which last were not at the
surrender for legitimate reasons.
I am here reminded by Captain L. Harrill that at Fredericks-
burg, in the spring of 1862, we were complemented with a com-
pany of recruits from the county of Rutherford, making the
Sixteenth temporarily to consist of thirteen companies. This
company, which was eventually transferred to the Fifty-sixth
Regiment North Carolina Troops, was officered as follows : W.
J. Kirkpatrick, Captain; L. Harrill, First Lieutenant; J. H.
Sweezy, Second Lieutenant; H. L. Sweezy, Third Lieutenant.
Participating in the arduous campaigns of Yorktown and
Seven Pines, in which it lost (killed) its Captain, J. W. Kirk-
patrick, and four men, on the 19th of June it was ordered to
Raleigh, where it was organized with the Fifty-sixth.
No more appropriate account of the character of Company N
could be given here than the simple statement that it was a
temporary component of the Sixteenth, and it is to be hoped
that it will have a deserving place in the narrative of its regiment.
Now, if my comrades, the historians of the Thirty-ninth and
Sixty-ninth, will pardon, I will return to Bunker Hill, where
we were transferred from the Sixteenth to the Thirty-ninth, for
a brief statement of our separate experiences.
Companies A and L left the Sixteenth on the 5th day of Octo-
ber, 1862. From Bunker Hill we marched by way of Staunton
and Lynchburg to East Tennessee, where Company L stopped
with the Sixty-ninth North Carolina Regiment (Thomas' Legion).
Company A, to which the writer belonged, proceeded to Middle
Sixteenth Regiment. 767
Tennessee, where we were formally organized with the Thirty-
ninth, till then a battalion under Colonel David Coleman. From
Middle Tennessee we were transported, in ihe spring of 1863, to
Mississippi. The company had comparatively an easy experience
until the 1st of July, when we took up the line of march, heading
for Vicksburg. Our object was the relief of General John C.
Pemberton, who was being severely besieged, but before reaching
the city we learned that he had surrendered. Thereafter our faces
were turned in the direction of Chickaraauga, where, in the battle
of the 19th and 20th of September, the Thirty-ninth took part as
follows: Transported from Mississippi as fast as freight trains
could carry us, we reached Ringold, Ga., about noon of the 18th.
Sweeping up the muddy little Chickamauga, we drove the blue
coats before us until they were forced to take refuge within their
main lines. At this juncture night came and with it a cessation
of arms. Day-break on the 19th saw hostilities recommence with
increased earnestness. Company A was placed behind and in
support of a Georgia regiment. The latter heroically main-
tained its stand and poured a hot and steady fire into the enemy
until, re-inforcements finally coming to the relief of the enemy,
he was making "proper smash" of the brave Georgians, when
the Thirty-ninth North Carolina and the Twenty-fifth Arkansas
moved forward, passed over the Georgians and, changing the
tactics, raised the yell and charged. The Indianians stubbornly
disputed our right to their stronghold, but at last, preferring to
keep out of the way of the bayonet, they fell back. At the
most critical moment of this charge the color-bearer of the
Thirty-ninth, William Breedon, of Cherokee county, was shot
down. As he fell the writer caught the flag before it touched
the ground and bore it until Joseph Sutton, of Company A, took
it from his hands and carried it during the remainder of the
engagement. At night Sutton turned over the colors to Colonel
Coleman, saying he preferred to carry his gun. J. Wesley
Shelton, of Jackson county, then voluntarily took the flag, car-
ried it until the close of the war and now has it in his possession.
The preservation of this old relic after the surrender is due to
7tiS XoKTH Caeolixa Troops, 1SG1-'65.
Lieutenaut E. H. Brown, of Jackson county, who. on leaving
Spanish Fort after the surrender, took the flag, and concealing it
about his person, carried it safely home. Such is the correct his-
tory of the worn old battle-tlag of the Thirty-ninth, so often
exhibitwl at our late reunions in Western Xorth Cai"olina.
Company A went through the entire two days' struggle for
the mastery at Cbickamauga, every inch of which ground was
bitterly contested, and on Sunday evening, when the last charge
was made and the Xinth Indiana Battery of nine pie<.-es \vas
capture*^! in a life-and-death struggle and at the bayonet's point,
members of Company A were among tlie first half dozen men
to lay their hands on a Federal field-piece.
This ended the struggle and the enemy fled toward Chatta-
nooga. Company A's loss was heavy. It took part in all the
fighting, marching and starving under Johnston and Hood from
Dalton to S|)anisli Fort. Kennesawand Altoona, doubtless, still
bear marks of her dogged skill. Until Xasliville, Company A
never met what was indeed a defeat. In fact the defeat of our
army at Xasliville was partly traceable to the fact that it had
been rudely deprived of its beloved and able commander, Joseph
E. Johnston, and partly because we clashed with Western men,
led by a Soathern-born Union general. Throughout the war
the best men we met were the Western men; the next best were
bounty-paid foreigners, Irishmen and the like; the next best were
men from the ^liddle States, and the last and very least were
the Dowu-easters.
I desire to say before closing this sketch that I have not yet
changed, nor do I expect to change, mv mind as to the principles
which prompted and the circumstances which actuated me to
espouse the cause of my State in the war for Southern indepen-
dence.
I lived a quarter of a century before the war; by the blessing
of Providence I went through the entire four years of that awful
struggle and have lived more than a quarter of a century since,
and I sity in all the candor of my nature to the future historian
and to posterity that the actors in that war from the South were
Sixteenth Regiment. 769
patriots, and that the rights for which they strove were those
then guaranteed by the Constitution of the country and then
recognized by the nations of the earth.
I sincerely trust that my comrades of the Sixteenth will gen-
erously pardon me for whatever errors of misstatement or omis-
sion that I necessarily may have made, owing to meagre facilities
for data and the treacherousness of memory, from which I have
almost entirely written. Thirty-six years have elapsed since the
last of the events transpired which I have related. I have pur-
posely refrained from mentioning many instances where individ-
uals distinguished themselves, for the reason that to have begun
the task would have been to notice almost every man in the
regiment first and last, for no better soldiers ever shouldered a
musket or wielded a sword than the soldiers of the Sixteenth
Regiment North Carolina Troops.
Finally, my comrades, I have obeyed this order and performed
this, doubtless, my last duty to you, as I did those of the Sixties,
in behalf of my children and yours, my conscience and my
country, to the best of my ability.
Benjamin H. Cathey.
Murphy, N. C,
9 April, 1901.
49
ADDITIONAL SKETCH SIXTEENTH REGIMENT.
By CAPTAIN L. HARRILL, Company N.
In his history of the Sixteenth North Carolina Regiment,
Lieutenant B. H. Cathey has mentioned the camp at Valley
Mountain during August and September, 1861, but its horrors
have never been half told.
Imagine a cold, chilly rain almost daily for weeks, the ground
soaked with water, no other shelter except thin cloth tents, with
wet blankets for bedding, an epidemic of measles, terminating in
many cases, on account of the unavoidable exposure, in rapid
pneumonia or followed by typhoid fever, with only such poor
medical treatment as could be given under such circumstances.
There were no experienced nurses, no suitable food for nourish-
ment and no competent cook to prepare anything for the sick.
The Surgeon and Assistant Surgeon both being sick and unable
for duty, young doctors, J. L. Rucker and myself, privates in
the ranks, detailed for medical services, did all we could with
the very scant supply of medicines on hand, but the great num-
ber of the sick, at one time amounting to several hundred, over-
whelmed them. Strong, robust mountaineers, who had scarcely
ever had a day's sickness, were stricken down to die in a few
days. The disease contracted at this camp caused a greater mor-
tality than any two battles the old Sixteenth fought during the
war.
In leaving camp the sick had to be transported in rough bag-
gage wagons. At one time the writer had charge of a train of
wagons and in this way conveyed more than fifty patients, sick
with typhoid fever, across the mountains, fifty or sixty miles, to
Rockbridge Alum Springs, where a hospital had been established.
Lieutenant Cathey omitted to mention that there was at one
772 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
time thirteen companies instead of twelve, as given by him. In
February, 1862, details of two or more men were sent out from
the companies to enlist recruits. From Company D, Sixteenth
Regiment, First Lieutenant J. W. Kilpatrick and the writer, a
private, were ordered to Rutherford county, and while there
enlisted about seventy-six men, organizing a new company with
J. W. Kilpatrick, Captain; L. Harrill, First Lieutenant; J. H.
Sweezy, Second Lieutenant, and H. A. L. Sweezy, Third Lieu-
tenant. This company joined the Sixteenth Regiment at Fred-
ericksburg, Va., April, 1862, and was on the long march from
there to Yorktown. It tramped through rain and mud in the
famous retreat of General Johnston to the Chickahominy. This
march was made from Yorktown to near Richmond almost with-
out food or rest. After two days' marching and starving, the
attached company, through the generosity of one of its members,
who had been detailed as teamster, had a feast of parched corn
for supper. The poor mules did not fare so well.
The attached company was a part of the Sixteenth Regiment
at the battle of Seven Pines, May 31, 1862, and lost in killed
Captain J. W. Kilpatrick, W. N. Brooks, A. K. Lynch, A. R.
Sorrels and Fifer O. D. Price, belonging to the drum corps of
the regiment, who went voluntarily into the battle and was
killed. We went into the battle under the command of the
dauntless old hero. General Wade Hampton, who rode quietly
along the line of the Sixteenth and said to the men : " Do not
fire a shot until you can feel the enemy on your bayonets." He
gave the command " Forward ! " and five of the attached com-
pany went to their death, besides a number wounded.
After the battle of Seven Pines the company remained with the
Sixteenth until June 19, 1862, only one week before the battle
of Mechanicsville and the seven days fighting that followed, when
we received orders to report at Camp Mangum, Raleigh, N. C,
where we became Company I of the Fifty-sixth Regiment, and
its history thenceforward becomes a part of the Ffty-sixth, written
by Major John W. Graham and Captain R. D. Graham.
Sixteenth Regiment. 773
This imperfect slietch is offered as a tribute to the memory of
my comrades left dead upon the bloody field of Seven Pines,
and that they may have their proper place in the true history of
the war.
L. Haeeill.
Statesville N. 0.,
9 April, 1901.
NINTH EEGIMBNT (FIRST CAVALEY).
1. George N. Folk, Captain, Co. D. 3. J. W. Tockl, 1st Lieut., Co. D.
2. N. P. Foard, Captain, Co. F. 4. Samuel C. Jones, Ist Lient., Co. I.
5. D. P. Mast, 2(1 Lieut., Co. D.
ADDENDA TO NINTH REGIMENT.
(FIRST CAVALRY).
By COLONEI/ W. H. CHEEK.
Since the printing of this sketch and after reading that of
General Barringer, I find so little written by both of us concern-
ing the battle of Reams' Station that I think it entitled to a more
extended notice. This battle was fought on the 25th day of
August, 1864, and, be it remembered, almost exclusively by North
Carolina troops. So bold, chivalrous and successful were their
attacks on the intrenchments of the enemy that General R. E.
Lee wrote a congratulatory letter to Governor Vance, in which
he says : " On the same occasion the brigade of General Barringer
bore a conspicuous part in the operations of the cavalry, which
were no less distinguished for boldness and eflBciency than those
of infantry." It is due to the brave men of this brigade that
their gallant conduct on this occasion should receive more notice
than we have given it.
At this time General W. H. F. Lee was sick, General Barringer
in command of the division, the writer in command of the brigade
and Lieutenant-Colonel Cowles in command of the regiment.
There was other cavalry from the divisions of Generals Young
and Butler present, all under the command of General Wade
Hampton. Early in the morning General Hampton, with his
united force of cavalry, met the enemy's cavalry, supported by
infantry, at Maloue's crossing on the railroad, about three miles
south of Reams'. He drove them back upon their main line
near the station, and for a time the action ceased. He then ordered
the Barringer Brigade to make a considerable detour to our right
to get around the left of the enemy and to attack his rear. We
moved several miles and came into a large road running almost
776 NoETH Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
due west and leading direct to the station. The enemy's line of
battle was along the line of the railroad, facing west, with the
station about its center. We pushed up this road and soon
encountered a heavy force of cavalry guarding their rear. Two
regiments of our brigade (the Ninth and Sixty-third, I think)
were dismounted and formed into a line of close skirmishers.
We advanced, and after a hotly contested action drove them back
across a creek and through a wide swamp and up to within a
short distance of their line of infantry. We were then recalled
by General Hampton and united again with him on the railroad
and were placed on the extreme right of our line of battle, not in
extension of it, but perpendicular to it and on the east side of
the railroad and facing north. This brought us in opposition to
their left curtain, which was thrown back at right angles to their
main line for the protection of their left flank. This line was
composed of infantry, and they had thrown up a line of rifle-pits
and small breastworks. The brigade was again dismounted and
formed into a line of close skirmishers. We opened the attack
on the right about 5 o'clock p. M. and soon drove them out of
their rifle-pits and rushed them in confusion back towards the
station. It was this attack of ours and this driving back of their
extreme left which uncovered the right of our line of infantry
and made it possible for some of our artillery to do what Major
Stedman in his memorial address at Wilmington on the 10th of
May, 1890, says: "Was seldom done on any battlefield of the
world, that is, for artillery to charge in advance of the line of
infantry." This no doubt so appeared to Major Stedman and
to the infantry on the left of the battery, which as yet had not
begun the charge, but to the cavalry that had uncovered their
front it appeared that this battery was acting in co-operation with
the cavalry and was prompt to take advantage of the oppor-
tunity we gave them. I saw the movement from my position on
the east side of the railroad.
Our losses in this day's fighting were considerable, but we
inflicted lieavy punishment on the enemy. We passed over many
dead bodies and captured a large number of prisoners, many of
Addenda to Ninth Regiment. 777
them lying down in tiieir rifle-pits, afraid to rise andrun. The
brigade did splendid fightiig on this day, and the Ninth, as usual,
did her full part.
Honestly believing that the conduct of the First North Caro-
lina Cavalry at Chamberlain's Run entitles it to a place in his-
tory beside the most celebrated cavalry commands of the world,
I desire to add a word more concerning its action on this occasion.
The fact that we fought as dismounted men in nowise detracts
from the honors due us as cavalrymen, but should rather add
additional laurels to our brows. The reputation of the regiment
when mounted, by its brilliant charges on many hard-fought
fields, had already reached the highest pinnacle of fame, and this
fight demonstrated that as dismounted cavalry with its carbines
it was worthy to be classed with the best infantry. General W.
H. F. Lee said of it: "There was nothing done at Gettysburg
more gallant than this charge of the First North Carolina Cav-
alry."
I have said nothing as to the forces opposing us, and regret
that I have not the data to furnish the information. We isnow
it was the plan of General Grant to throw his army on General
Lee's right and prevent him from getting possession of the Rich-
mond & Danville Railroad, and thereby make it impossible for
him to form a junction with General Johnston in North Carolina.
For this purpose he had sent General Sheridan with ten thou-
sand cavalry and two corps of infantry to Dinwiddie Court House,
not more than three miles distant from our battlefield. How
much of this force General Sheridan sent to clear the road we
do not know, but it is reasonable to suppose that he sent what
he deemed sufficient, because the control of this road was neces-
sary for him to carry out the plan of General Grant.
After being driven back in the morning attack he had ample
time and a sufficiency of men to send forward as large re-inforce-
ments as he might wish. I know that their lines were much
stronger in the afternoon than they were in the morning. Yet,
778 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
with the Ninth North Carolina (First Cavalry) in the lead, with
Beall's Brigade co-operating, we broke ihd drove them back more
than a mile and camped on the battlefield for the night. Our
victory was full and complete and our losses have already been
noticed. I wish that I could give the names of all our killed
and wounded in this memorable battle. The surrender followed
so soon afterwards that no official report of it was ever made.
Since the re-opening of this sketch, to give more notice to the
battle of Eeams' Station, I have been advised by my friends to
give the incident of my capture, and to which reference is made
on page 479. The reader will pardon any seeming egotism, but
I am writing history, and this incident serves well to illustrate
the adventures of a cavalryman. As before said, I was sent by
General R. E. Lee to try and find Colonel Moore and his regiment
(the Third Cavalry) and pilot them back to him. I took with
me Chief Bugler Burke Privett, of Goldsboro, and the brigade
color-bearer. Sergeant Churchill. In the afternoon, near Jeters-
ville, we stopped at a farm-house to get some water. The gentle-
man of the house cautioned us to be on the lookout, for some
Yankee cavalry had been there a short time before. We rode on,
and had not gone far before, in a long, straight part of the road,
we saw three mounted men approaching. We stopped and care-
fully surveyed them, but could not distinguish whether they were
Yankees or our men. Finally I said to my companions: "There
are but three of them and there are three of us. I will attend
to the one on the right; you, Churchill, take the one in the center,
and Privett, you look after the one on the left." I took my pistol
from its case and stuck it in my belt in front. As we approached
each other I saw that they were clad in Confederate uniforms,
and this somewhat allayed my suspicions, yet we rode on until
we met, each one of us riding up close beside our man, as agreed.
After the usual friendly salutations, I inquired to what command
they belonged. They answered: "The Ninth Virginia." Totest
them further, T asked: "Who is your Colonel?" "Colonel Wal-
ler." "And who is your Captain?" "Captain Eandolph," they
replied. Being acquainted with Colonel Waller and knowing there
Addenda to Ninth Eegiment. 779
was a Captain Randolph in the Virginia cavalry, my examination
fully satisfied me that they were as they represented. Then we
entered into a general conversation. I inquired if they could
tell me anything of the whereabouts of Colonel Moore, and they
asked for the Ninth Virginia, saying that they had gotten scat-
tered in the fight the day before at Namozine Church. During
this conversation I saw some twenty or more men coming towards
us, and I inquired who they were. They answered: "Some of
our boys who stopped at a house to get something to eat." These
twenty approached near us and halted. I was a little in advance
of Churchill and Privett, who were on my left, each one of us
close up to our appointed man. Soon I heard the cry: "Sur-
render!" Surrender!" coming from Privett's man. Instantly I
had my pistol in my man's face, while he had his right hand in
his boot. I knew what he was after, for cavalrymen frequently
carry their pistols there, so I said to him : "If you attempt to lift
your hand I will put a hole through you." I held him thus for
several moments. Churchill had been disarmed and Privett's
man had the drop on him, with his pistol in Privett's face.
Privett would not give up his arms, though constantly threatened
to be shot if he did not. This man had on the uniform of a
Confederate surgeon, and so completely had my suspicions been
allayed that I took them for Confederate soldiers and thought
that they were taking us for a scouting party of Yankees clad in
Confederate uniform, which was a thing of no uncommon occur-
rence at this stage of the war. So, to convince him that we were
real Confederates, I said to him: " Doctor, here is a letter directed
to me as Colonel of the First North Carolina Cavalry," and at
the same time I laid my pistol in my lap to get the letter from
my breast-pocket. In an instant my man grabbed my pistol and
jammed the muzzle of it in my face and called out: "Surrender,
or I will kill you ! " Just then up rode one from out of the group
of twenty and said to him : "Major Young says you have had
enough of this." At the mention of Major Young's name I
knew that we were in the hands of Sheridan's scouts, for I knew
that Major Young was their commander. We then surrendered
and were taken back to General Sheridan's headquarters.
780 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
After my capture Major Young rode with me back to his camp,
and I found him to be a pleasant, entertaining and considerate
gentleman; by considerate I mean one who has respect for the
feelings of another, even though he be a prisoner of war. This
incident occurred, which illustrates that he was also a gentle-
man : That morning, when we started on the search for Colonel
Moore, Churchill, then brigade color-bearer, took the flag from
off its staff and put it into his saddle-pocket. On searching him
after his surrender, it was taken from him by his captors as quite
a prize — a brigade battle-flag. As we neared their line of infantry
at Jetersville, Major Young called up this man who had the flag,
and after a few words with him he and another man dashed off
at full speed; soon they stopped and cut a long pole and fastened
the flag on to it; then again they rode at a rapid gallop along the
front of their line of battle, waving the flag as they went. They
were greeted with loud and repeated cheers. Major Young said
to me: "Listen at those fools; I knew they would do that, and I
thought it would be mortifying to you, so I sent your flag on
ahead." A delicate consideration of my feelings.
He did me another great favor. It was reported all through
our army that I was killed a few days before. When we three
(Privett, Churchill and myself) were captured there were none
of our soldiers present, and therefore none of our army could
tell what had become of us, so my disappearance would be con-
firmative of the report of my death. Fearing that this report
might reach my wife, who had recently been quite sick, I was
deeply concerned to let her know of my whereabouts and that I
was unhurt. I told this to Major Young and he seemed to sympa-
thize with me and anxious to assist me. "How far is she from
here?" he asked. "About eighty miles," I answered. "I will
fix that for you. Yon write a letter to your wife to-night and
to-morrow I will make one of my men take it to her." I wrote
the letter, and early next morning he came to my tent and said:
" Colonel, lam sorry that I will have to disappoint you. General
Sheridan has just ordered me to get ahead of General Lee and
to destroy the High Bridge at Farmville, and I will need every
Addenda to Ninth Kegiment. 781
available man ; but you give me your letter and I will send it
to where your mails are running and have it mailed." I did so,
and although I wrote many other letters and gave them to citi-
zens along the road and to friends in Petersburg, with the request
that they forward them by the first opportunity, it was near a
fortnight before any of these letters reached her, still the one
entrusted to Major Young was the first one that she received.
He told me a circumstance that explains a piece of history which
no historian of the closing days of the war has explained that I
have seen. It has been an unexplained mystery why the seventy-
five thousand rations which General Lee had ordered from Dan-
ville to be sent to Amelia Court House were not there upon the
arrival of his army. Some say it was the fault of the Superin-
tendent of the Richmond & Danville Railroad; others put the
blame on the commissary at Danville, and there are some who
say it was the fault of President Davis. I suppose that I am
the only person in the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia
at that time who knew the true reason, and I got my informa-
tion direct from first hands. The lack of these rations was a
most disastrous blow to General Lee's plans. For the want of
them he lost one day at Amelia Court House in the vain effort
to impress food from the surrounding country to feed his fam-
ished army. During this day Sheridan, with ten thousand cav-
alry and two corps of infantry troops, was pushing rapidly for-
ward to get between him and Danville and thereby prevent his
junction with the army of General Johnston in North Carolina.
Now, when Petersburg was evacuated. General Lee had to move
across the country, away from railroad and telegraph lines. To
send a telegram he must needs forward it by a mounted courier
through the country to a telegraph office. This message to the
commissary at Danville was thus sent. Major Young told ine
that it had not left General Lee's headquarters two hours before
he had it in his vest-pocket, and it was promptly forwarded to
General Grant instead of to Danville. So, neither the commis-
sary at Danville, nor the superintendent of the railroad, nor Presi-
dent Davis, was to blame for this disaster, so fatal to our army.
782 North Carolina Troops, 1861-'65.
Another instance of the valuable service rendered by these
scouts I witnessed on the 4th of April, when General Lee was
rushing forward his wagon trains with all possible dispatch. At
the crossing on a large creek I saw a major quartermaster seated
on his horse near the ford and making every driver water his
team. A great deal of time was thus consumed and the wagon
train was blocked for hours. The delay so produced was of the
greatest value to General Grant and equally fatal to General Lee.
After my capture I recognized this same man among the "Jessie
Scouts," and Major Young told me that he was the quarter-
master that I saw who was having our teams watered at the ford.
His scouts, clad in our uniform, were all through our army
after the evacuation of Petersburg. He further told me that the
night before they had been to every farm-house in ouf lines, look-
ing for General R. E. Lee, intending to take him prisoner. Gen-
eral Lee bivouacked that night in a piece of woods a short dis-
tance north of Amelia Court House and on the east side of the
railroad, and but for their failure to find him he would have been
a prisoner of war before the surrender of his army, or else would
have lost his life in the defense of his liberty.
I have a list of the officers who were killed and wounded, and
as we are writing this sketch to perpetuate the deeds of North
Carolina's gallant sons, I desire to give their names, that pos-
terity may pay them their well-earned honors. Among the
killed were: Captains Henry Coleman, Company G, and
George Dewey, Company H; Lieutenants D. T. Armfield,
Company A, R. H. Powell, Company B, and W. M. Blair,
Company D. The wounded were: Lieutenant-Colonel W. H.
H. Cowles, Major M. D. L. McLeod ; Captains John L. Smith,
Company A; W. H. Anthony, Company B; James F. Johnson,
Company C, and C. J. Iredell, Company E; Lieutenants J. P.
Alexander, Company C; Manly Steele, Company C; D. P. Mast,
Company D; Jacob Barrier, Company F; H. J. Sauls, Company
H, and S. B. Gibson, Company K. A long list of gallant men
who shed their blood when the cause of the Confederacy was
Addenda to Ninth Regiment. 783
almost lost and its sun about to set in the gloom of perpetual
night as freely as they would have done when first they buckled
on their sabres and unfurled their banner.
W. H. Cheek.
Henderson, N. 0.,
24 March, 1901.
Errata. — On page 481 read "Barringer" for "Beauregard."
Note. — Oolonel Cheek died just after revising the above last tribute to
his gallant regiment, 23 March, 1901. — Ed.
END OF VOLUME I.
Live Music
Archive
Librivox
Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland
Museum of Art
Internet
Arcade
Console Living Room
Open Library
American
Libraries
TV News
Understanding
9/11